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IALR, a Proven Partner: 2024 Annual Report Highlights

IALR, a Proven Partner: 2024 Annual Report Highlights

“I love that IALR moves at the speed of business. Things happen here fast.” – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This year was defined by strategic collaboration that drove collective innovation, growth and success across Southern Virginia.

Read the Full Report 

“At IALR, our success is not achieved in isolation but through meaningful collaborations across sectors.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Below are some of our valued partners:

  • Commonwealth of Virginia
  • U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Defense
  • Economic and workforce development organizations
  • Local governments and school divisions across Virginia
  • Community colleges, universities and higher education institutions
  • Local and global businesses and companies
  • AmeriCorps and other service agencies
  • Civic groups and nonprofits
  • Private foundations and funding partners

Here are the key highlights that showcase how our work and partnerships are making a difference.

Career Readiness Starts Early

One of the most significant achievements last year was the expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program. Through a network of partnerships involving public schools, higher education and industry leaders, over 6,000 Virginia students received hands-on career introductions. GO TEC continues to inspire students and build dependable talent pipelines for strategic sectors, ensuring our youth are prepared for tomorrow’s careers.

GO TEC curriculum will be taught in 52 middle schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia during the 2024-2025 academic year.

“GO TEC is awesome because it allows students to explore careers and equipment that they would not have access to otherwise.” – Amy Maloskey, GO TEC Teacher, Rural Retreat Middle School, Wythe County

Learn More in the 2024 Annual Report 

Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities

The Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program saw remarkable progress, supporting the creation of apprenticeship programs across nontraditional sectors. This year marked the launch of Virginia’s first Registered Apprenticeship programs for EMTs and paramedics. The program’s success demonstrates the importance of partnerships between employers, training providers and community organizations to meet our region’s workforce needs.

In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.

ExTRA Impact in Numbers:

  • 50 new apprentices hired.
  • 12 new Registered Apprenticeship programs created.
  • Virginia’s first EMT and paramedic Registered Apprenticeship launched.

IALR was also selected to lead the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Region 3 Regional Work-Based Learning Collaborative. This initiative develops opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning – and prepares both students and employers for those opportunities.

See Our Collaborative Work in the 2024 Annual Report 

Manufacturing Training Programs

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continues to grow in partnership with the U.S. Navy, rapidly training talent for the defense industry. Approximately 328 students graduated across four cohorts in the 2024 fiscal year. 

By 2025, the ATDM program aims to graduate 800 to 1,000 students annually, solidifying the region’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing training.

“ATDM’s ability to refine and scale to meet our urgent workforce needs is crucial to building America’s submarine fleet. Together, we’re not just training workers, we’re securing America’s maritime future.” – Erica Logan, Maritime Industrial Base Director for Workforce Development

Additionally, the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program, a legacy initiative of IALR and Danville Community College (DCC), remains a cornerstone of our manufacturing training efforts.

See Our Successful Partnerships in the 2024 Annual Report 

Advancing Economic Development in Southern Virginia

In collaboration with local governments, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, our Economic Development team contributed to significant economic progress in the region. Over $212 million in new capital investments and the creation of 253 new jobs were key outcomes this year, providing a solid foundation for future economic growth. IALR also hosted essential events such as the 2023 Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit and the 2024 Workforce Solutions Summit to support long-term development.

“The efforts of the SVRA and the many regional partners should be considered best practices for other communities and regions to follow.” – Edward D. Ober, Grant Management Associates

Discover More Impact in the Annual Report

Advancing Additive Manufacturing

Through a series of strategic initiatives, IALR is advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technology, equipping end users with the skills needed to leverage these capabilities, and driving the growth of additive manufacturing across Southern Virginia. Much of this work is in partnership with the U.S. Navy through the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Initiatives in Additive Manufacturing:

By combining training, technology development and partnerships, IALR is making significant strides in establishing Southern Virginia as a leading hub for additive manufacturing.

See More in the 2024 Annual Report 

Collaborative Optimization for Manufacturers

As Virginia’s hub for high-performance manufacturing optimization and advancement, the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) equips manufacturers to be globally competitive. The CMA at IALR is the destination for innovative manufacturers ready to optimize their operations and scale. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology—including a CNC Machining Innovation Lab, Industry 4.0 Integration Lab and Precision Metrology Lab – the CMA is helping clients and partners optimize operations and scale.

See the Complete Annual Report 

Breakthroughs in Applied Research

IALR’s Applied Research division offers various services in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), analytical chemistry, biotechnology and life sciences. These include conducting contract research, providing chemistry testing services and supporting biotechnology development—all aimed at meeting the needs of industry partners and advancing the scientific community.

“IALR has provided Canon the environment and expertise to grow plants under various stress conditions in an effort to understand how these stresses present themselves in the plants. IALR is unique in this capability.” – Benjamin Welch, Principal Engineer, Canon

View the Full Annual Report

Conference Center Growth

Equipped with state-of-the-art and flexible facilities, the IALR Conference Center experienced impressive growth, hosting over 30,000 guests last year. This increase is a testament to its role as a vital space for collaboration across business, education and community sectors.

“The IALR Conference Center offers a turnkey experience and state-of-the-art technology to deliver a high level of professionalism and engagement. Their staff are accommodating, easy to work with and attentive to the details.” – Stephanie Mann, Center for Early Success

View the Full Annual Report

STEM, Service and Lifelong Learning

IALR’s Advanced Learning team collaborates with numerous partners to increase STEM capacity, promote lifelong learning, and provide regional service-learning opportunities. These initiatives contribute to a better Southern Virginia where all can thrive.

“IALR is an exceptional and long-standing partner to Serve Virginia. The services they provide through their AmeriCorps program, Dan River Year, are impactful and make a real difference in the communities they serve.” – Samantha Lukasiewicz, AmeriCorps Manager

View the Full Annual Report

Growing Campus to Meet Regional Needs

FY 2024 was notable for the growth of IALR’s campus and support services. The number of team members nearly doubled to meet increasing demands, reflecting the strength of the partnerships and the impact IALR has cultivated in Southern Virginia. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center opening in early 2025, IALR is poised to continue driving regional growth and innovation.

“The near doubling of our team and the expansion of our campus highlight the incredible momentum we’ve gained through strategic internal and external collaboration. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center on the horizon, IALR’s IT, Facilities and other support services ensure seamless operations for efficient growth and regional success for years to come.” – John H. Hughes, IV, Ed.D, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

View the Full Annual Report

A political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, IALR is governed by a Board of Trustees. 

“As we review another year of strong financial performance, it’s clear that our partnerships and strategic initiatives deliver real value to the region. Our board remains dedicated to guiding IALR toward continued success, ensuring that every dollar invested helps drive meaningful economic transformation in Southern Virginia.” – Donald W. Merricks, Chairman, IALR Board of Trustees

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Building on the success of previous years, the third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returned to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, VA, from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center—a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center —the event attracted 230+ attendees from 35 US states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The diverse audience of growers, educators, scientists, Extension personnel, suppliers, tech specialists, and government leaders gathered to explore the latest advancements in CEA technology and build valuable partnerships.

The two-day event featured a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and tours of the CEA Innovation Center facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with 21 tabletop exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations and services shaping the future of CEA. Alongside these sessions, a range of networking opportunities fostered new connections and strengthened existing partnerships.

“We’re proud to see the CEA Summit East improve year after year. The diversity of expertise represented here is impressive, and it’s a testament to the collaborative nature of this growing sector.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con

“It’s inspiring to see leaders across the CEA spectrum come together to exchange ideas and strategies that drive our industry forward. This event underscores the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in achieving the growth and success we envision for CEA.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture sector, kicked off the event with the opening morning keynote address. His session was immediately followed by the session, “What Is CEA: It’s Mission, Definition and Purpose,” with Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc.; Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing, BrightFarms; Mike Ross, Co-Founder & CEO, Beanstalk; and Dr. Michael Evans, Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. On the second day, the Leadership Insights Panel welcomed Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO Executive Chair, AeroFarms and moderator Emily Gee, CEA Alliance Board Member and Marketing Director, AeroFarms, to the stage,

Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured three educational tracks – Production, Business and Education, Workforce and Training– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from food safety, economics of CEA, crop selection and aquaponics to strategies for energy management, onboarding training programs for new employees, and building international partnerships. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit hosted the 2nd CEA Graduate Student Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high-quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; and to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Eight finalists competed, and Liam Reynolds, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, took first prize for his poster, “Evaluation of Radish, Broccoli, and Lettuce Microgreens Irrigated with Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase.” Nathaniel King-Smith, The Ohio State University, was awarded second place for his poster, “Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for Critical Materials: Hydroponic Cultivation of Rubber Dandelion (T.kok-saghyz) for Rubber Production.”

The next edition of CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025. Look for more information coming soon to the event website – www.ceasummit.com. In addition, save the dates for the next edition of Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 at the Westgate Las Vegas.

CEA Summit East 2024

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 

About Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR’s Applied Research division and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. 

About the CEA Innovation Center

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

Virginia October 1-2, 2024 Edition Brings Academia and Industry Together For Collaboration, Innovation

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is excited to announce that the keynote address, “Leadership Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture,” will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 9 AM at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

This session is one of two featured keynote addresses joining the full conference line-up for the October 1-2, 2024 edition, providing attendees with a double dose of expert insights and forward-thinking discussions. This keynote will bring together leading executives in the CEA industry to explore predictions, strategies, and perspectives on the emerging trends that will shape the future of controlled environment agriculture.

The panel will feature Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; and Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO & Executive Chair, AeroFarms. The keynote will be moderated by Emily Gee, a member of the Board of Directors for the CEA Alliance and Director of Marketing, AeroFarms.

This engaging session will give attendees the chance to participate in the ongoing conversation shaping the course of sustainable and innovative food production. Whether you are a greenhouse grower, urban agriculture operator, vertical farmer, supplier in the CEA sector, this keynote promises critical takeaways that can help you navigate the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Look for more information coming soon on another keynote session.

About CEA Summit East 

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)- IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which drew participants from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the CEA Summit East 2024 is expected to once again unite professionals from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees will include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers exploring hybrid opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

Register for CEA Summit East 

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops.

About Indoor Ag-Con

About the CEA Innovation Center

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the CEA Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.

CEA Innovation Center 

Enhancing Spinach Yields with Beneficial Bacteria

Enhancing Spinach Yields with Beneficial Bacteria

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce a new study that explores the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria to significantly boost spinach yields in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The article was published in Technology in Horticulture on July 2, 2024.

This research is another example of how bacterial endophytes – naturally occurring biostimulants found in plants – can enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake and increase stress tolerance, particularly in CEA.

The Study

IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center has a library of more than 2,000 characterized bacterial endophytes. The researchers in this study tested two of those strains – officially known as Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 and Enterobacter asburiae IALR1379 – on two spinach cultivars, ‘Red Snapper’ and ‘Seaside.’

These experiments were conducted in indoor vertical nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic systems in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a partnership of IALR and Virginia Tech.

The study revealed that inoculations of these bacteria significantly increased the shoot fresh weight, root growth and leaf greenness of the spinach plants.

Read the Full Study

Key Findings

  • Increased Yields: Inoculations of IALR632 and IALR1379 significantly increased the shoot fresh weight of ‘Red Snapper’ by 19.3% and 13.3%, and ‘Seaside’ by 17.8% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to control treatments.
  • Enhanced Root Growth: Both bacterial inoculations improved root growth in ‘Red Snapper’, although ‘Seaside’ did not show similar results.
  • Improved Leaf Greenness: IALR632 significantly increased leaf greenness in both spinach cultivars while IALR1379 did not.
  • Effective Colonization: Both bacterial strains successfully colonized the roots and shoots of the spinach plants, confirming their endophytic property.

Overall, IALR632 proved more effective in enhancing spinach yields, root growth and leaf greenness compared to IALR1379 in indoor vertical hydroponic systems.

Significance

The Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center are focused on optimizing crop production while minimizing environmental impact. And this is not the first research publication from IALR showing the efficacy of bacterial endophytes in improving plant growth and yields.

The research team has consistently shown that endophytes – which function as natural biostimulants and biocontrol agents – can dramatically and positively affect plants in indoor hydroponic environments.

Other recent findings include:

The Research Team

This research was conducted by a joint team from IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center:

  • Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist, IALR
  • Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research, IALR
  • Dr. Michael Evans, Professor at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center
  • Robert Chretien, Laboratory Research Associate, IALR
  • Dr. Dongfang Zhou, a former Research Associate with Virginia Tech at the CEA Innovation Center
  • Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture
College Students Working in the CEA Innovation Center

College Students Working in the CEA Innovation Center

“My favorite part has been seeing the progress of the plants daily. Watching them start as little seeds and then grow into some pretty big plants is very cool.” – Jacob Haymore, Undergraduate Research Technician with the CEA Innovation Center

Working part-time as Undergraduate Research Technicians in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, Jacob Haymore and Cameron Dallas have gained valuable experience and supported vital research projects.

A joint project between Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the CEA Innovation Center is an agricultural technology training center, research hub and demonstration site that connects academia, industry and producers to move the CEA industry forward. The Innovation Center is housed primarily within a modern greenhouse complex on IALR’s campus.

“Bringing students into this ecosystem for impactful employment opportunities fits the mission of the CEA Innovation Center and will contribute to the growth of the CEA workforce.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center

Haymore’s position is funded through an internal Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences grant focused on hydroponic herb production. A 2022 Chatham High School graduate on the verge of completing his associate degree in liberal arts from Danville Community College, Haymore did not have much experience working with plants. A family friend told him about the position, and he applied. He started in December 2023 and plans to continue working in the CEA Innovation Center through the summer.

Jacob Haymore, a Danville Community College student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.

“The idea of working in a greenhouse was interesting to me,” Haymore said. “I like that I’m not stuck in an office. I get to be hands-on and active.”

As a kid, Dallas learned about agriculture while helping on his grandmother’s farm. A current accounting student at Averett University hoping to pursue a real estate career, Dallas found the CEA position through Averett’s Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness. Dallas started working in the CEA Innovation Center in September and will conclude his term upon graduation. Dallas’s position is funded through the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and focuses on vertical farm and greenhouse projects and greenhouse management tasks.

“I felt like something was missing,” Dallas said. “I was doing the typical senior stuff. This turned out to be a great opportunity for me.”

Cameron Dallas, an Averett University student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.

Dallas and Haymore are supporting research experiments on irrigation rates in microgreens, fertilizer rates for dill and fennel, and several projects on the SMART Tables. Some of their daily tasks include data collection, seed sowing, irrigation, treatment application, data entry and monitoring and adjusting electrical conductivity and pH levels in the hydroponic systems.

“I definitely think this experience will help me in my career, whatever direction I take,” Dallas said.

The students have worked with the entire research team at IALR but primarily report to Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, based at IALR.

“My goal with having undergraduate students working with the CEA Innovation Center is to provide the opportunity to learn about horticulture, controlled environment agriculture, and research. This provides students at this stage in their education the opportunity to explore these areas as potential graduate school majors and career paths, build skills that will be applicable in other industries and learn about the food production/agriculture industry.” – Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture

The CEA Innovation Center will continue to recruit and develop undergraduate researchers. Those opportunities are sent directly to colleges and universities in the region when available.

Beneficial Bacterial Research Shows Potential for Summer Lettuce Growth

Beneficial Bacterial Research Shows Potential for Summer Lettuce Growth

Researchers from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Tech are exploring ways to improve summer lettuce production. Their recently published study in the international peer-reviewed journal Scientia Horticulturae, which IALR Chief Scientist Dr. Chuansheng Mei led, explores the role of certain bacteria in boosting lettuce growth during hot weather.

This research leverages the expertise and resources of the Plant Endophyte Research Center and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, both located at IALR. The team combined their plant science, microbiology, biostimulants and agronomy expertise to investigate natural solutions for enhancing lettuce yields.

Key Findings

The title: ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) deaminase-producing endophytic bacteria improve hydroponically grown lettuce in the greenhouse during the summer season.

View the Article 

The study focused on examining the effects of bacterial endophytes on lettuce growth in a hydroponic system during the summer. Specifically, the researchers looked at how these beneficial bacteria influenced the growth of two lettuce cultivars, ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Rex.’ By introducing selected strains of bacteria with high ACC deaminase activity, which lowers a key plant stress hormone, the team observed significant improvements in lettuce shoot growth and chlorophyll content.

Effective Bacteria

Among the four endophytes tested, Burkholderia contaminans IALR1819 was particularly effective in enhancing lettuce production. With its high ACC deaminase activity, this bacterial endophyte played a crucial role in helping lettuce plants cope with heat stress and thrive in challenging conditions.

Implications for Agriculture

The findings of this research have important implications for agriculture, especially in regions where high temperatures pose challenges to crop production. Producers may have a valuable tool for improving crop resilience and productivity by harnessing the natural capabilities of beneficial bacteria.

As the global population grows, sustainable agricultural solutions are increasingly important. The Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center are focused on optimizing crop production while minimizing environmental impact.

The Research Team

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

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The January 20224 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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Inside IALR Podcast: CEA Roadmap

Inside IALR Podcast: CEA Roadmap

“GO Virginia Region 3 and IALR are well poised to be the leader in the Commonwealth for Controlled Environment Agriculture.” — Elli Travis, Senior Economic Development Specialist, Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement

This episode of “Inside IALR” features a roundtable conversation with several leaders involved in the recent creation of a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) Roadmap Strategy for GO Virginia Region 3:

  • Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR
  • Bryan David, GO Virginia Region 3 Program Manager
  • Ellie Travis, Senior Economic Development Specialist, Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement

They discuss the current state of the CEA industry as a whole, but specifically in GO Virginia Region 3. While discussing the roadmap, they explain how CEA represents tremendous economic opportunity and growth potential for Virginia.

Some of the directives outlined in the CEA roadmap include establishing a CEA hub that will focus on awareness and informational campaigns, new venture and new enterprise development assistance, expanding CEA technical assistance, accelerating Region 3 site development and continuing and enhancing CEA-relevant workforce development and talent.

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IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

The December edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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IALR to Bolster Agribusiness Support, Research with Recent Grants

IALR to Bolster Agribusiness Support, Research with Recent Grants

Grants come from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Several recently awarded grants are positioning the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and the Virginia Tech (VT)-IALR CEA Innovation Center to increase support for agribusinesses in Southern Virginia and conduct critical research in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector. These funds will allow the development of a food system initiative, the offering of affordable testing services for the CEA industry, and research into the impact of beneficial bacteria in CEA environments.

IALR was awarded two grants totaling approximately $250,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) along with $100,000 from an anonymous donor that will allow the creation of two new positions and the development and implementation of new services. A Specialty Crop Block Grant from VDACS revolves around the use of technology and biostimulants to enhance and promote Virginia’s specialty crops.

“This funding will position IALR to conduct more innovative research, empower regional producers to distribute their products, and provide critical testing services for the CEA industry. Each of these initiatives, which are only possible due to dynamic partnerships and intentional support from organizations like VDACS and the Tobacco Commission, directly relate to our mission of driving economic transformation.” — IALR President Telly Tucker

“Supporting the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia has always been a top priority for the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission since it was first created nearly 25 years ago. Like many industries, agriculture is becoming increasingly advanced and so the Commission is proud to partner with IALR to ensure that Virginia farmers can meet the challenges, and reap the rewards, of advancements in fields like controlled environment agriculture and more. At the end of the day, the Commission is committed to creating new revenue streams and increasing incomes for our farmers and producers. These projects will do just that and I am pleased that the Commission chose to support them.” — Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director James E. Campos

CEA Testing and Outreach

To address common issues CEA producers face, the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center will establish third-party product/method evaluation and testing services for CEA companies. Additionally, staff will expand outreach efforts by providing educational materials to growers. This project will provide assistance and information to benefit small, medium and large CEA producers and suppliers.

“Part of our mission at the CEA Innovation Center is to build partnerships with industry to advance CEA in VA. Through conversations with industry members, the need for a testing service was identified. This grant will allow us to meet that need by working with industry to evaluate products and ideas under greenhouse and vertical farm conditions.” — Dr. Kaylee South, Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

IALR will hire a research technician to manage these testing services. The TRRC granted $145,841 towards this initiative. Virginia Tech is also providing funds to install a Postdoctoral research position.

Value Chain Coordination

To help diversify agribusiness and increase net farm output in Southern Virginia, IALR will establish a robust local food system that connects producers and farmers with institutional buyers, food hubs and other purchasers.

Many farmers lack the time and resources to promote their goods to potential customers. Simultaneously, many large institutional buyers would like to offer local produce, meat and dairy to their employees and visitors, but they would prefer not to interact with each farmer individually. This food system will facilitate those interactions.

“An overarching focus of Applied Research at IALR is to help diversify agribusiness in Southern Virginia and increase net farm income, profitability and opportunity for new and existing farms of all sizes. This grant will allow us to meet that goal with the addition of a value chain coordinator to help create a robust local food system where farmers’ price points are met while local consumers gain greater access to their products. This will be a unique, impactful program that fits squarely into IALR’s mission of economic transformation for Southern Virginia.” — Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research IALR

IALR will hire a Value Chain Coordinator to manage the implementation of this food hub. TRRC awarded $104,452 toward this initiative. An anonymous donation of $100,000 will also support this initiative.

Specialty Crop Block Grants

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $550,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding at the end of October, and two of those grants were for research happening at IALR. Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist at IALR, and Dr. Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor of CEA within Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences who works with the CEA Innovation Center, received the grants.

Dr. Amaradasa will be researching the use of endophytes – beneficial bacteria that live inside plants and help plants grow better and tolerate stress – in the growth of strawberries in soilless systems. This research outcome would help growers increase profits in hydroponically grown strawberries by using growth-promoting bacteria.

Dr. South, Dr. Michael Evans, and other Virginia Tech researchers will develop and evaluate the use of biofungicides for the control of common diseases in CEA production. This goal will be fulfilled by developing and assessing RNAi-based biofungicides targeting grey mold in strawberry production and downy mildew in spinach production.

Specialty Crop Block Grant program funding is authorized annually by the 2018 Farm Bill. The awards resulted from a competitive grant process established by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) for funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s primary footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

About IALR’s Mission

About the Tobacco Commission Revitalization Commission

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in formerly tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has created tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

About the TRRC

IALR, Virginia Tech, GO Virginia Region 3 Adopt CEA Roadmap to Guide Industry Growth

IALR, Virginia Tech, GO Virginia Region 3 Adopt CEA Roadmap to Guide Industry Growth

Several partner organizations recently completed the development of a strategic roadmap regarding the economic growth potential for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia, specifically in the 15 localities within GO Virginia Region 3. Analyzing the current state of the industry, this roadmap outlines ways that the partners can support future economic growth among large and small companies in the CEA sector through a variety of initiatives tied to collaboration, research, economic development, workforce training and more.

The development of this roadmap, which was completed by the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement (CECE) in partnership with IALR, was funded through a $77,000 grant from GO Virginia Region 3.

“While controlled environment agriculture is not a new industry, it is growing quickly and has major economic implications for our region. Intentional partnerships and public-private collaboration are what will allow this important sector to thrive and expand right here in Southern Virginia and across the Commonwealth. Building on the current strength of the region, this roadmap outlines several crucial steps we can take to advance the CEA industry.” — Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

CEA involves a combination of engineering, plant and animal science, and computer-managed control technologies used to optimize plant and animal growing systems, quality and production efficiency. Growing systems range from a basic greenhouse to a fully automated system with controlled lighting, water and ventilation installed. By controlling various elements of the growing environment, CEA can decrease pesticide and water use and allow for year-round production close to consumers. The concept of CEA is not new, but more recent technological advancements like biotechnology, robotic imaging and machine learning have changed the economics of CEA as an industry.

The primary recommendation of the roadmap is the development and implementation of a comprehensive CEA hub initiative, in conjunction with or led by IALR and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center. This hub would lead and advance five additional strategies in GO Virginia Region 3 and across the state:

  • Conduct CEA awareness and informational campaign
  • Enhance CEA-specific new venture and new enterprise development assistance
  • Continue and expand CEA technical assistance offerings to firms and to policymakers and economic developers
  • Accelerate GO Virginia Region 3 site development with CEA targets in mind
  • Continue and enhance GO Virginia Region 3 CEA-relevant workforce development and talent attraction activities

“We were excited to find that continued growth is expected in the CEA industry. GO Virginia Region 3 is well-positioned to remain competitive as a location for this growth. In addition, the CEA Hub Initiative would help the region, and the state, to better maximize this opportunity and grow CEA sector jobs of all types, from smaller start-ups to large-scale indoor farming.” — Dr. Scott Tate, Associate Director for Community Innovations, Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement  

Due to the technology used in CEA, the skillsets required tend to be more varied than traditional farming and typically appeal to a younger workforce. Although much of CEA is automated, skilled workers are still invaluable for guiding and overseeing the equipment, plant and animal health, and other hands-on work. Some common occupational areas within CEA companies include crop production, animal production and aquaculture, machinery manufacturing and computer and electronic product manufacturing.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr recently shared remarks during the presentation of this roadmap at IALR.

“When an organization lacks vision, it is much harder to reach the destination. This roadmap outlines how Southern Virginia can become a hub for the CEA industry and the steps needed to get there. The synergies outlined in this plan, including workforce training, research, increased awareness and site development will make Southern Virginia a CEA leader.” — The Honorable Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

The partners involved in the study identified a total of 18 CEA companies operating or preparing to open in Virginia, seven of which are larger operators that have 50 or more employees. In all as of 2022, the team estimates there are approximately 35,000 existing CEA-related jobs in the state, 1,750 of which are in GO Virginia Region 3. Virginia has seen an increase in CEA companies locating in the state, with announcements of major projects like Plenty in Chesterfield County in 2022, expected to bring 300 new jobs and $300 million in investment to the area. Blue Ridge Aquaculture, a Martinsville-based company that is the largest indoor system producer of tilapia in the world, and AeroFarms, a leading vertical agriculture company that established one of the world’s largest aeroponic smart farms in Danville-Pittsylvania County’s Cane Creek Centre, are the largest existing CEA companies in GO Virginia Region 3.

“One of the primary goals of economic development is increasing household income, which typically leads a region’s residents to experience increased educational attainment, improved health outcomes, housing values, and household discretionary income. While large CEA companies can provide quality and high-wage employment opportunities in GO Virginia Region 3, another critical focus of this strategy is to promote and facilitate CEA-related entrepreneurship and small business opportunities, combining macro and micro approaches to grow this emerging business sector in Southern Virginia.” — Bryan David, GO Virginia Region 3 Program Director

The study identifies the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center, located on IALR’s campus, as a “unique and crucial asset and resource for innovators, policymakers and industry in the CEA sector.” This facility, which is operated through a partnership with IALR, the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, leverages the biotechnology and chemistry research at IALR and serves as a demonstration site and agricultural technology training center that brings together industry, academia and producers.

The CEA Innovation Center also serves as a co-host of the annual CEA Summit East.

“The outstanding work conducted by the whole team in developing the CEA Roadmap will help all of us to effectively work together in our common goal of making Virginia an international hub for controlled environment agriculture and utilizing the growing field of controlled environment agriculture as an economic development engine for Virginia. We are looking forward to exciting collaborations going forward.” — Dr. Michael Evans, Director of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center

About GO Virginia Region 3

GO Virginia is a statewide, business-led economic development initiative with funding to invest in collaborative projects that lead to high-paying jobs in each region. The mission of GO Virginia is to encourage collaboration among business, education and government in each region. GO Virginia Region 3 is one of nine regions in Virginia and includes the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward and the cities of Danville and Martinsville. For more information, please visit govirginia3.org and sign up for the Region 3 monthly newsletter or connect with GO Virginia Region 3 on Facebook or LinkedIn.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. For more information, visit www.ialr.org.  

About the Center for Economic & Community Engagement

The Center (formerly known as the Office of Economic Development) connects Virginia Tech faculty, companies, and communities in ways that help create, retain, and enhance the availability and quality of jobs and opportunities around the Commonwealth. This includes providing applied research, technical assistance, and training services to increase clients’ abilities to prudently manage economic change and build capacity to stimulate change.

Ferrum Professor Diversifying CEA Knowledge During IALR Fellowship

Ferrum Professor Diversifying CEA Knowledge During IALR Fellowship

Nearly a decade ago, the cutting-edge research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) caught the eye of Dr. Tim Durham, Associate Professor of Crop Science at Ferrum College. At that time, he vividly recalls social media posts about IALR’s research involving the use of drones in agricultural production and monitoring.

Several years later, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his planned yearlong sabbatical at the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center. This academic year, however, Durham is leveraging an internal fellowship as plan B. A course release allows him to work one day a week at the CEA Innovation Center, where he assists with research projects and general operations.

Dr. Tim Durham, an Associate Professor of Crop Science at Ferrum College, is completing an internal fellowship that allows him to work in the CEA Innovation Center one day a week.

“I greatly value the opportunity to work with esteemed experts in this up-and-coming field. The CEA Innovation Center is laying the groundwork for the future; I want to be inspired, to try and mirror that body and ethic of work at Ferrum College. So many stakeholders benefit – firstly my students, but also the community at-large, including teachers seeking a year-round plant curriculum, and farmers eyeing a CEA pivot.” — Dr. Tim Durham, Associate Professor of Crop Science, Ferrum College

At the CEA Innovation Center, Durham is assisting staff with a variety of projects, processes and research, and outreach.

A jack of all trades who grew up on a vegetable farm in New York – with extensive experience in agronomy (crop science) and horticulture, Durham isn’t entirely a stranger to the CEA industry. Through a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Durham constructed a small greenhouse hydroponic lettuce system for Ferrum College students to complete practicums and learn the basics of CEA. With student help, he also sells lettuce to the campus cafeteria.

“I basically went into the hydroponic endeavor blind,” he said. “I had always been a decidedly field guy. But I found that many of the varieties and practices used in CEA were actually translatable to growing in the field. There’s a lot of surprising similarities.”

Meant to bring together academia with producers and industry, the CEA Innovation Center is a demonstration site and agricultural technology training center jointly operated by IALR and the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in partnership with the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Virginia Tech. With multiple greenhouses, an indoor vertical farm and hydroponics growing systems, the goal of the center is to conduct research and develop educational and extension programs to advance and promote the CEA industry.

“A couple major focus areas of the CEA Innovation Center are to advance the industry, serve as a hub for research and education and promote workforce development within the CEA sector. Using the center to provide an educator and collaborator with hands-on experience that will influence future classroom content certainly ties into those goals.” — Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR

At the CEA Innovation Center, Durham is assisting staff with a variety of projects, processes and research, including preparing, maintaining, and reporting on experiments in the vertical farm and greenhouse hydroponic systems. He is also active on the outreach front. For example, Durham participated in the second annual CEA Summit East in several capacities, including: moderating a CEA in the classroom panel and serving as a graduate poster competition judge, among other duties.

Durham has also served as a co-author on a research paper published by the CEA Innovation Center team.

Dr. Kaylee South, Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech, works with Dr. Tim Durham in the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center.

“The Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center is working to identify and address the needs of the CEA industry in VA and beyond by serving as a hub for building collaborations in research, extension work, and education. Part of the Innovation Center’s outreach and education programming is to serve as a demonstration site and training center for students and professionals. Dr. Tim Durham has helped us in moving forward with our mission in all areas.” — Dr. Kaylee South, Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech

So far during his fellowship, which will continue through May 2024, Durham has already learned a lot about the “broad-based applicability of CEA.” And the knowledge he’s gathering will not only help prepare the students studying horticulture and plant sciences at Ferrum, but could be helpful for his family’s vegetable farm in New York. He makes a pilgrimage every summer to return to his roots and work in the fields. Durham’s family is exploring the addition of a small hydroponics lettuce system to diversify and provide supplementary off-season income.

CEA Summit East Recap

CEA Summit East Recap

Alliances and Innovation Headline 2nd Annual CEA Summit East In Virginia

Building alliances, sharing information and forging new connections were key themes that drove the September 19-20, 2023, edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia.

Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center (a partnership between the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and IALR), the 2nd annual edition attracted 240 attendees from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, including growers, educators, scientists, Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members.

Pictured (L-R) : Michael Schwarz, Ph.D., Associate Director, CEA Innovation Center, Director, Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research & Extension Center, Virginia Tech; Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con; John H. Hughes, IV, ED.D., Executive Vice President of Operations, IALR; Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry; Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Co-Director, CEA Innovation Center & Vice President, Applied Research, IALR.

During the day and one-half event, attendees enjoyed quality time to meet, network and learn during keynotes, panels, and breakout conference sessions; explored 21 tabletop exhibits presenting the latest innovations and services; and enjoyed a host of networking opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see this event grow in both attendance and vendor/sponsor support. Together with the CEA Innovation Center, we’re building a strong event where business and academia unite to drive our industry forward.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con

“The CEA Summit exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines our mission. It’s rewarding to see industry leaders from all sectors of CEA convene here to share lessons learned, best practices, research findings and ways to help accelerate our collective growth.” – Scott Lowman, Co-Director, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Vice President, Applied Research, IALR. 

CEA Summit East Photo Gallery 

Event highlights included:

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr kicked off the opening morning with his keynote address, “Virginia’s Commitment to Next Generation Agriculture: Leading the Indoor Farming Revolution.” On the 2nd day, AeroFarms President and CFO opened the event with a keynote that came on the heels of the company’s announcement that it had emerged fully funded from Chapter 11.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Matthew Lohr kicks off CEA Summit East with Day One Keynote.

AeroFarms President and CFO Guy Blanchard leads CEA Summit East Day Two keynote.

Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured four educational tracks – Grower, Business & Marketing, Up & Coming Technology and Education, Outreach & Workforce Development – that brought academics, growers and business experts together to cover a wide range of topics ranging from scaling up and negotiating energy costs to the future of CEA crops, getting started in aquaponics, and lessons learned from recent college graduates entering the CEA sector. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits and Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit kicked off a new CEA Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Six finalists competed and Nelda Hernandez, Auburn University, took first prize for her poster, “Hydroponics as an Alternative Production System for Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) in Alabama.”

CEA Innovation Center Tour

The event wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. 90+ conference attendees took advantage of the unique opportunity to get an inside look at the CEA Innovation Center’s hydroponic systems and facilities, including the greenhouse and vertical growing racks. They also got to hear more about some of the Center’s exciting research projects.

Participants in the CEA Summit East had the opportunity to tour the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center.

Participants in the CEA Summit East had the opportunity to tour IALR’s chemistry and biotechnology labs.
 

An attendee of the CEA Summit East takes a picture during a tour of the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center.

Look for more information coming soon on dates and details for the 2024 edition. In the meantime, industry members can make plans to attend Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2024, as it returns to Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, to once again co-locate with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Indoor Ag-Con is the premier global event series focused on the future of indoor farming. Since 2013, the trade show and conference, the industry’s largest, has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture sector, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to connect, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward.

About Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH-IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. 

About the CEA Innovation Center

AeroFarms President and CFO Guy Blanchard to Lead Keynote at CEA Summit East

AeroFarms President and CFO Guy Blanchard to Lead Keynote at CEA Summit East

AeroFarms President and Chief Financial Officer Guy Blanchard will lead a keynote address at the 2nd annual edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, Sept. 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Institute Conference Center in Danville, Va. Blanchard’s keynote will shed light on AeroFarms’ journey towards resiliency, emphasizing the conference’s core mission to unite the CEA business and academic sectors, fostering learning, networking, and collective growth in the face of industry challenges.

Guy Blanchard’s keynote is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 9 a.m.

The CEA Summit East is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the largest vertical farming | CEA gathering, and the CEA Innovation Center – a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

During his keynote, Blanchard will share how AeroFarms is emerging stronger in the months following a Chapter 11 filing, touching on growing retail partnerships with leaders like Walmart, H-E-B, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and other initiatives. He will also provide updates on AeroFarms’ newest farm in Danville, which continues to scale according to plan.

Blanchard brings extensive project finance and corporate development experience for AeroFarms, a leading clean-technology company that builds and operates commercial state-of-the-art indoor vertical farms around the world, helping transform agriculture. A Certified B Corporation, AeroFarms has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in the World and by Inc. as one of the Top 25 Disruptive Companies. Guy last served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, at Amonix, Inc., a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems equipment manufacturer and developer.

Guy has also served as a Managing Director for Fortress Investment Group’s Drawbridge family of funds, where he was a principal investor with a focus on structured investments in long-lived assets. Prior to that, Guy was Vice President of Corporate Finance at GATX Capital Corporation and CFO for JTP Manufacturing. Guy holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, both from the University of California, Davis.

“We are excited to welcome Guy Blanchard to our CEA Summit keynote stage. AeroFarms has been a trailblazer in the indoor farming industry, and his address will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights into the path forward for the indoor farming sector as it confronts new challenges, and new opportunities, head-on,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

“Having Guy Blanchard share his perspective on AeroFarms’ journey through recent challenges aligns perfectly with our mission to foster collaboration and innovation within the CEA community,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR.

The CEA Summit East is custom-tailored for new and well-seasoned CEA industry members from throughout the Eastern U.S., including indoor and greenhouse growers, facility owners and operators, educators, government officials, real estate developers, architects, construction specialists, sales and marketing teams and others.

During the two-day event, industry members will have the opportunity to hear from CEOs, researchers, and experts leading keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions; explore tabletop exhibits presenting the latest CEA innovations and services; and enjoy a host of networking opportunities ranging from meals and coffee breaks to an evening social event.

QUICK FACTS:

WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 – Wednesday, September 20, 2023
WHERE: IALR Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville, VA 24540
INFO: For information on exhibiting or attending visit www.ceasummit.com

ABOUT AEROFARMS

Since 2004, AeroFarms has been leading the way for indoor vertical farming and championing transformational innovation for agriculture. AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation. Named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company two years in a row and one of TIME’s Best Inventions in Food, AeroFarms patented, award-winning indoor vertical farming technology provides the optimal conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking agriculture to a new level of precision, food safety, and productivity while using up to 95% less water and no pesticides versus traditional field farming. Its products can be found at major selling partners like Ahold Delhaize, Amazon Fresh, Baldor Specialty Food, Compass Group, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Marcus BP, Momofuku Noodle Bars, ShopRite, The Fresh Market, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. For additional information, visit https://aerofarms.com/.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Indoor Ag-Con is the premier global event series focused on the future of indoor farming. Since 2013, the trade show and conference, the industry’s largest, has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture sector, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to connect, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward. More information- www.indoor.ag

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH-IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. More information–www.ialr.org/cea. 

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to kick Off CEA Summit East with Opening Morning Keynote

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to kick Off CEA Summit East with Opening Morning Keynote

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr will lead the opening morning keynote address for the 2nd annual edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, September 19-20, 2023 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Institute Conference Center in Danville, VA.  Secretary Lohr’s presentation sets the stage for two days of education and networking built around the summit’s goal of bringing CEA business and academic community members together to boost growth opportunities for the entire sector.

The CEA Summit East is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the largest vertical farming | CEA gathering, and the CEA Innovation Center – a partnership between the IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

During his keynote address, “Virginia’s Commitment to Next Generation Agriculture: Leading the Indoor Farming Revolution,” Secretary Lohr will discuss the state’s leadership role in the CEA sector, including its investment in research and development, workforce training, and infrastructure to support CEA industry growth. The session will give attendees valuable insights into Virginia’s strategic CEA plans, initiatives, support mechanisms and opportunities that exist for collaboration and innovation.
Matthew Lohr was raised on a Virginia century family farm in the Shenandoah Valley. As a fifth-generation farmer, he has spent his entire life working for the betterment of the agricultural industry and rural America.

He developed his passion for public service and agricultural policy while serving as both a state and national FFA officer before graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education. He has more than 30 years of experience as a professional leader and communicator.

In early 2022, he was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve as Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. In this role, he serves in the governor’s cabinet and oversees three state agencies – the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and the Virginia Racing Commission.

“We are honored to have Secretary Lohr join us for the 2nd annual CEA Summit East. Virginia’s unique advantages make it an ideal hub for CEA companies and Secretary Lohr’s participation in our event further underscores the state’s commitment to fostering CEA industry innovation and growth. His keynote is the perfect kick-off to the insightful discussions, networking and growth opportunities that will all be part of this year’s event,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con.

“At the CEA Innovation Center, our mission revolves around moving the CEA industry forward through research, educational programming and industry support,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We are especially excited to have Secretary Lohr lead our keynote and highlight the pivotal role that public-private partnerships play in driving the growth of this sector. With his keynote, we look forward to showcasing how Virginia’s collaborative efforts are driving advancements that resonate far beyond our state borders.”

The CEA Summit East is custom-tailored for new and well-seasoned CEA industry members from throughout the Eastern US, including indoor and greenhouse growers, facility owners and operators, educators, government officials, real estate developers, architects, construction specialists, sales and marketing teams and others.

During the two-day event, industry members will have the opportunity to hear from CEOs, researchers, and experts leading keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions; explore tabletop exhibits presenting the latest CEA innovations and services; and enjoy a host of networking opportunities ranging from meals and coffee breaks to an evening social event.

QUICK FACTS:

  • WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 – Wednesday, September 20, 2023
  • WHERE: IALR Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville, VA 24540
  • INFO: For information on exhibiting or attending visit www.ceasummit.com
ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Indoor Ag-Con is the premier global event series focused on the future of indoor farming. Since 2013, the trade show and conference, the industry’s largest, has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture sector, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to connect, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward. 

More Information

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH-IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.

About the CEA Innovation Center

SMART Platforms: Automation and Accuracy in Plant Imaging

SMART Platforms: Automation and Accuracy in Plant Imaging

Some of the world’s most unique and innovative plant imaging technology has been developed here at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

The Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table (SMART) Platform, allows researchers to automatically take thousands of photographs over a plant’s life cycle, collecting data from beginning to end. With a mix of computer and human analysis of these photos, researchers can examine plant growth at every stage of development, allowing for a better understanding of the impact of different variables on plants.

What is a SMART Platform?

The SMART Platforms consist of an aluminum frame with a tray holding up to 86 individually potted plants. A color-sensitive webcam mounted to a mechanical arm, called a gantry, then takes a picture of each plant, providing a measurement of plant canopy size as well as other morphological traits of the plant, including leaf shape, discoloration and more. These functions are all controlled using Python code, which tells the gantry and camera when to move across the table and take photos. 

IALR Vice President of Applied Research Scott Lowman (left) and Virginia Tech Research Specialist Mitchell Doss (right) look at the potted plants inside the SMART Platform.

“It’s like having a fixed camera above every plant on the table.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

In most cases, the gantry and camera are programmed to photograph each plant every 15-30 minutes. By capturing images of plants during their life cycle, researchers can visually fill in the blanks that traditional measurement techniques leave behind.

Initially conceptualized by Jerzy Nowak and Alfred Wicks of Virginia Tech, and based on off-the-shelf equipment used in traditional manufacturing, the SMART Platform concept was later picked up by IALR’s Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Scott Lowman, during his post-doctoral research in imaging. Dr. Lowman revitalized the idea, custom designing and building new functional tables, control systems and software that are now fully operational. Five SMART Platforms are currently in use, four hosted on IALR’s campus and another at Hargrave Military Academy.

Accuracy and Analysis

These tables are accurate to within a thousandth of an inch. This means that wherever the camera is programmed to go, it will return to that exact spot every single time. This accuracy allows researchers to capture timelapse photography of plant life, visualizing plant growth and death as if a stationary camera had been placed above each plant.

Researchers can utilize this technology to analyze the growth curves of plants during an experiment. Using the fully automatic system to take measurements every 15 minutes, they can see the impact of different variables over time.

“I can start an experiment, and as long as I can take care of the plants, it can run continuously until it’s completed or the plants die.” – Mitchell Doss, Virginia Tech Research Specialist 

A color-sensitive webcam mounted to a mechanical arm, called a gantry, takes a picture of each plant, providing a measurement of plant canopy size as well as other morphological traits of the plant, including leaf shape, discoloration and more. These functions are all controlled using Python code, which tells the gantry and camera when to move across the table and take photos.

These tables are unique because they turn each plant into its own experimental unit. In traditional plant research, scientists take the fresh and dry weight of the harvested plant as a data point. However, this method leaves a gap within the plant’s early development and growth stages. Researchers can gain hyper-detailed data on plant growth by taking measurements of a plant throughout its life cycle.

Analyzing the data gathered from the SMART Platform is a complicated process. After conducting an experiment, researchers have folders on the computer containing thousands of images of each plant. From here, complex lines of code conduct image analysis that detects the amount of greenness (which equals the size of the plant) within an image. By calculating the difference between the number of green pixels from one image to another, researchers gain data on how much and how quickly a plant has grown.

Continued Improvement

Summer interns Kendall Moore (left) and Hunter Pruitt (right) both spent time improving niche aspects of the SMART Platform. Moore designed a hydroponics system to implement into the tables while Pruitt developed a program that automates the tables’ coordinate-finding system.

To continue the development of the SMART Platform, the Applied Research division utilizes IALR’s Summer Internship program to provide young researchers with the opportunity to work with – and improve – this technology. This summer, the team of interns helped build two brand-new SMART Platforms.

“We need people with diverse skills and backgrounds to move these tables forward.” – Dr. Scott Lowman

The interns also carry out individual projects to improve niche aspects of the SMART Platforms. Hunter Pruitt, a rising senior at North Carolina State University, spent his summer working to automate the tables’ coordinate-finding system. Eliminating the need to manually input the coordinates for a plant on the table makes the technology more efficient and easier to use.

Another intern this summer, Kendall Moore, a rising senior at the University of Virginia, designed a hydroponics system to implement into the tables. This will allow for new research on hydroponic growth techniques in addition to potted plants.

The current coding system and graphic user interface used to run the tables was developed by Samuel Hedrick, an intern during the summer of 2021. This allows the table to be user-friendly to those who don’t have a specific background in computer science.

Mitchell Doss, a Virginia Tech Research Specialist currently earning a master’s degree in horticulture, has worked with the SMART Platforms since 2014, when he was a part of the original team of interns who helped with image analysis. Now, the roles have reversed, as Doss has taken on supervising the Coding and Robotics interns.

“IALR is the place for opportunities.” – Mitchell Doss

A jack of all trades in terms of research, Doss has been a part of IALR’s Applied Research Division since 2021. He has conducted various experiments via the SMART Platforms and is carrying out research for his master’s program on potassium levels in fertilizers.

Lowman, Doss and Virginia Tech faculty member Dr. Kaylee South are drafting a research paper introducing the SMART Platform into the present literature. Once this is published, it will allow future research done via the tables to reference it, as opposed to including tedious details within the methods and materials sections of the paper.

What’s next?

Plants shake as they grow. That fact is common knowledge in the scientific community, but it is unclear why they shake or what that movement says about a plant’s overall health. The meaning of plant movement is one area IALR researchers are beginning to explore using the SMART Platform’s complete imaging capabilities.

“We’ll be practically the only people in the world that can look at plant movement as an indicator of plant health scientifically.” – Dr. Scott Lowman

One inconvenience in developing code to detect plant movement is determining the difference between movement and growth. As it stands, plant growth is categorized as the total amount of green pixels in an image, whereas plant movement is the amount of change in green pixels found in an image. In short, if green pixels are found where there were none before, or there are no green pixels where there were before, that is considered plant movement.

Recently, IALR obtained a 3D-scanning device that allows the user to create a three-dimensional model of any object. Implementing this technology within the SMART Platform could allow for further exploration into plant growth and movement.

The capability to accurately measure plant movement could offer a new dependent variable for experiments. This possibility can also be paired with IALR’s extensive endophyte library to provide early detections of bacterial impact.

“It’s not what you expect to find; it’s what you don’t expect to find that makes it interesting.” – Dr. Scott Lowman

Moving forward, the objective is to integrate new types of cameras onto the table, such as multispectral, hyperspectral and lidar cameras that could detect changes in wavelength reflection that human vision cannot detect. Different aspects of plant movement could also be studied, such as leaf tip curling and other changes in the structure of plants.

Another development is the use of a hydroponics system to further automate the process of experimentation via the SMART Platform. In the future, this technology could be merged with the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center at IALR.

The eventual goal is to share the SMART Platform technology and research capabilities with companies and institutions commercially. After many alterations and tweaks throughout the years, an efficient and user-friendly product is nearly ready for market.

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East Announces Graduate Student Poster Competition

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East Announces Graduate Student Poster Competition

10 Finalists Will Be Invited To Present Posters At September 19-20, 2023, Edition at IALR Conference Center In Danville, Virginia

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East Conference will host a graduate student poster competition during its 2nd annual edition, September 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the largest gathering of the vertical farming | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, CEA Summit East offers an ideal platform for aspiring graduate students to showcase their research in the field of CEA-related research.

By encouraging students to showcase their work through poster presentations, the competition seeks to foster collaboration opportunities between individuals in academia and private industry, while also connecting commercial companies with qualified candidates.

“We are proud to co-host the graduate student poster competition at the CEA Summit East Conference,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This competition not only provides a great platform for students to share their research, but also enables commercial companies to discover talented individuals who can contribute to the future growth and innovation of the CEA sector.”

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is dedicated to advancing research and development in CEA. The center’s Co-Director and IALR Vice President, Scott Lowman, Ph.D., adds, “The graduate student poster competition is one more way we’re bridging the gap between academia and industry, promoting knowledge exchange, and opening doors to new collaboration in the CEA field.”

Graduate students interested in participating in the competition are invited to learn more and submit abstracts detailing their research by August 1, 2023, via www.ceasummit.com/#poster-competition. A panel of experts will review the abstracts and select ten finalists to present their work through poster presentations at the conference. Selected candidates will receive a complimentary full access graduate student conference pass ($395 value) to attend the conference/competition. Judging will be held during the event and the winner will be announced at the day two keynote breakfast session on September 20, 2023. 

Following its successful debut edition in October 2022, which brought together more than 200 attendees from 28 states, CEA Summit East 2023 will continue to foster connections and collaboration among growers, educators, scientists, extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members. Throughout the two-day event attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations from tabletop exhibitors, enjoy networking opportunities, and attend a full roster of keynote, panel presentations and research/industry showcases.

For more information about the graduate student poster competition and the September 19-20, 2023, edition of CEA Summit East, visit the conference website at www.ceasummit.com

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Indoor Ag-Con is the premier global event series focused on the future of indoor farming. Since 2013, the trade show and conference, the industry’s largest, has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture sector, providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to connect, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward.  More information – www.indoor.ag

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH-IALR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER
The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. More information: www.ialr.org/cea

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East to Return in September 2023

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East to Return in September 2023

Indoor Ag-Con, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center to Co-Host 2nd Annual Edition September 19-20, 2023, in Danville, VA

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is proud to announce its return on September 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA. Focused on convening the CEA industry and academia, the annual event is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier global gathering of the vertical farming/CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Following the success of its debut edition in October 2022, which brought together more than 200 attendees from 28 states, the CEA Summit East will continue to foster connections and collaboration among growers, educators, scientists, extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members.

“The enthusiasm and engagement we saw at our inaugural event were truly inspiring and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the CEA Innovation Center to bring the CEA Summit East back in 2023,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Both organizations see tremendous value in growing an event like this that brings business and academia audiences together at an incredible research facility setting that really fosters an environment for sharing ideas and new business opportunities.”

The 2022 CEA Summit East brought 200+ attendees from 28 states to IALR. People from various industries networked, learned from experts, and toured and explored ongoing research.

The two-day event will feature keynotes, panels and breakout conference sessions, as well as tabletop exhibits from industry-leading companies and research facility tours. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest advances in CEA and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.

“We are excited to build on the momentum of our first event and continue to bring together leaders in the CEA industry,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We look forward to showcasing the innovative research and education programs we are developing to support the growth of the CEA industry.”

For more information and to register to attend, exhibit and to learn more about speaking opportunities for the CEA Summit East 2023, please visit the event website.

CEA Summit Website 

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade event for vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis and hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 404.991.5186

Indoor Ag-Con Website

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AT VIRGINIA TECH

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech trains the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration and agro-environmental stewardship. It conducts research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve soil and water health. Through extension programs, it provides science-based information to stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment. 

School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Website

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA SEAFOOD AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER AT VIRGINIA TECH

The Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech works to support the future of the historic seafood industry — in Virginia and beyond. Its extension specialists work with industry and research partners to identify and respond to emerging needs and provide technical guidance to stakeholders in every level of the seafood supply chain. Through technical assistance, training, process validation, value-added product development, and more, it helps stakeholders ensure product quality, safety, and viability. 

Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center 

ABOUT IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. Core focus areas include research that provides a clear path to commercialization, advanced learning opportunities where education meets experience, training and rapid-launch space for advanced manufacturers, and economic development through conferencing and a partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. It is located in scenic and historic Danville-Pittsylvania County on the VA/NC state line, within a short drive of Roanoke, Greensboro and Raleigh. 

Controlled Environment Agriculture Training in Middle Schools

Controlled Environment Agriculture Training in Middle Schools

“Is food manufactured?” 

The average person would say that the produce or agricultural products they buy at the store are produced, not manufactured. With the growth of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, however, more and more food and agricultural products are actually the result of high-tech manufacturing processes. Innovations in indoor agriculture – and a related need for a skilled workforce –are growing globally and right here in Virginia.  

At the request of Carroll County Public Schools, leadership of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) initiative developed a unique, five-week CEA module that allows middle school students to experience a full plant growth cycle. Introducing students to critical sectors like electrical engineering, quality control, automation and manufacturing engineering, the CEA module exemplifies the purpose and strategy of GO TEC: to proactively develop unique and memorable career exposure opportunities across strategic sectors.  

The CEA module is now in middle schools in Carroll and Grayson Counties with the potential to move to other localities across the Commonwealth in the near future.  

GO TEC staff consulted with CEA industry experts and conducted trials on this vertical growing rack before beginning to implement the CEA module in middle schools.

What is Controlled Environment Agriculture?  

Often referred to as indoor farming or indoor agriculture, controlled environment agriculture is a unique approach to producing food. By utilizing technology to develop the ideal growing conditions, CEA is a way to create quick-to-harvest food products. Every variable – including soil composition, light type and exposure time, nutrients, etc. – is monitored and controlled. 

There are many different styles of controlled environment agriculture, but most approaches can be classified as either hydroponics or aeroponics. With hydroponics, plant root systems live in soilless growing environments that introduce nutrients through a water-based mineral nutrient solution. Aeroponics, on the other hand, introduces nutrients through a mist. 

Located on the IALR campus, the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a demonstration site, research hub and agricultural technology training center. The CEA Center features various hydroponic and soilless systems/production systems and facilities including indoor growth rooms, greenhouses, growth chambers and vertical growing racks. With this facility and research, the success of the first annual CEA Summit East hosted at IALR and the new GO TEC module, IALR is establishing itself as a global leader in the CEA industry.  

“IALR and Virginia Tech are making major contributions to the continued development of the controlled environment agriculture sector by combining extensive and cutting-edge research capabilities with a focus on education and industry advancement,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research at IALR. “This new GO TEC module about CEA technologies and processes is a smart program considering the rapid growth of the industry – and corresponding need for a talented and trained workforce.” 

Leafy greens produced in vertical growing racks in the CEA Innovation Center at IALR.

A Five-Week Module  

Through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K-12 school systems, higher education and industry, GO TEC provides real-world workforce training and talent development. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs and continuing through high school, dual enrollment and post-secondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways.  

Most of GO TEC’s other modules, which include content about industries like welding, precision machining, cybersecurity and mechatronics, are one-week introductions. The new CEA program, on the other hand, extends for five weeks.  

“The idea is that students can participate in a full growth cycle from seeding the nursery to harvest within a grading period of a class,” said Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager for GO TEC. “In five weeks, you can go from planting the seed to eating the salad.”  

The project starts with students placing lettuce seeds in a small nursery environment. Approximately one week later, students prepare the nutrient solution, configure the light and pump cycles and transplant the budding plants from the nursery into the growing racks. Over the next several weeks, students learn about the importance of equipment calibration while monitoring pH and electrical conductivity levels – two key indicators of plant health and growth. Depending on the goals of the instructor, students can conduct experiments for light cycle hours and nutrient solution variations – learning about quality control in the process.  

Students in the GO TEC CEA module start by planting seeds in a nursery like this one before transplanting them to the vertical growing rack.

Participants learn about agricultural technology and life sciences manufacturing while seeing the connections and technological integrations with other career sectors, each of which are represented by their own stand-alone GO TEC module. Some of those industries include:  

  • Electrical engineering 
  • Quality control inspection (metrology)   
  • Automation 
  • Manufacturing engineering 
  • Mathematics  

A growing Sector in Virginia and Beyond  

Agriculture and manufacturing remain two of the largest industry sectors in Virginia, and controlled environment agriculture combines the two. Virginia leaders have championed the controlled environment agriculture industry as a target sector, successfully recruiting multiple companies to locate in Virginia over the years. 

New Jersey-based AeroFarms now operates one of the world’s largest aeroponic smart farms in the Cane Creek Centre here in Danville-Pittsylvania County. The company credited the presence of IALR as one of the reasons it chose to locate in Southern Virginia. AeroFarms has announced plans to create 166 jobs and the capacity to produce 3 million pounds of leafy greens annually. In September 2022, it was announced that Plenty Unlimited Inc. would invest $300 million to build the world’s largest indoor vertical farming campus just outside of Richmond, creating 300 jobs. Other CEA companies are operating or growing in Virginia, combining technology with agriculture and creating quality jobs in the process.  

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr presents AeroFarms leaders a Virginia flag at the 2022 grand opening of AeroFarms’ Danville vertical farming farming facility.

While the mechanics and styles can vary from company to company, controlled environment agriculture inherently involves technology and automation – two skills that are core to the mission of GO TEC. This new CEA module exposes middle schoolers to the career possibilities – and the required skillsets – in the rapidly-growing sector, improving Virginia’s position as a destination of choice for controlled environment agriculture.  

“Southern Virginia is leading an industrial revolution as agriculture and manufacturing intersect to provide opportunities for a better tomorrow through the integration of technologies,” said Linda Green, Vice President, Economic Development at IALR and Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “By combining the best of STEM training for manufacturing with general agriculture training, this new GO TEC module is a great resource for workforce development – one that I will promote to prospective companies looking to locate in Southern Virginia.”

Growing GO TEC as a Means to Nimbly Scale Talent Pathways 

What started as a pilot program with just a few modules in two school districts, GO TEC has grown significantly – both in terms of location and programs – and has positively impacted Southern Virginia over the past five years.  

While staff have added modules for new industry sectors every year, the creation of the CEA module demonstrated the flexibility of the GO TEC framework. After the request from Carroll County Public Schools, GO TEC staff purchased equipment, conducted tests and prepared the module between March and August of 2022. Carroll County introduced the new module in the fall of 2022, and Grayson County implemented theirs in the spring of 2023.  

“This is the first example of us looking at adopting a technology, buying something, checking it out, making sure it worked, consulting with subject matter experts and then implementing it in a classroom,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning at IALR.  

Backed by funding from GO Virginia and other sources, the GO TEC framework continues to move into schools across the Commonwealth. Thanks to a $3.4 million grant awarded in December 2022, GO TEC staff are being recruited in other regions of the Commonwealth and Career Connections Labs are slated to be in 50 middle schools by 2025.  As the program expands, the GO TEC team has learned to balance flexibility and structure, supporting standardization of the GO TEC pathways and middle school curriculum while allowing for some flexibility and regional “flavor” to meet the needs in each region of Virginia. The development of new trainings like the CEA module exemplifies that goal of allowing industries and regions to drive the program content and growth.