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CEA Summit East Opens with Keynote Tackling Agriculture’s Toughest Challenge: Getting Crops to Market

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Virginia Explores Innovative Path to Economic Growth Through Co-location of Data Centers and Food Production Greenhouses

Virginia Explores Innovative Path to Economic Growth Through Co-location of Data Centers and Food Production Greenhouses

Feasibility study highlights how co-locating high-tech agriculture with data centers can expand job creation, boost energy efficiency, and drive regional food system resilience.

A new feasibility report reveals an emerging opportunity to align two of Virginia’s target sectors—data centers and controlled environment agriculture (CEA)—through strategic co-location. This report was released by non-profit Resource Innovation Institute (RII) in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and GO Virginia Region 3.

The report, Co-locating Data Centers and Greenhouses: A Feasibility Report, explores how Southern Virginia can adapt global best practices to create a new model for regional innovation and economic development. Highlighting Agriport A7 in the Netherlands as a leading example, the study outlines how co-locating these industries can unlock resource efficiencies, create high-quality jobs, and enhance community resilience.

“Virginia is strategically building a strong foundation for Controlled Environment Agriculture, driven by innovation and strengthened through public-private collaboration, to position our Commonwealth as a national leader,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “This report shows the potential to create high-quality agricultural jobs in rural Virginia while delivering significant revenue gains for local communities.”

“As data infrastructure expands and CEA continues to gain traction in Virginia, there’s a unique opportunity to plan ahead for smart, synergistic development,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of Resource Innovation Institute and co-author of the report. “We’re excited to offer this analysis as a roadmap for how Virginia can lead the nation in co-location innovation.”

The study presents a vision for clustered development zones where data centers and greenhouses share infrastructure, such as heat, CO₂, and energy, to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This clustering model, often seen in the Netherlands and Canada, offers a more competitive development plan compared to isolated facilities.

“We are pleased to collaborate with RII and IALR on this pioneering analysis,” said Lauren Willis, Chair of GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “Co-location between data centers and CEA operations represents an actionable, strategic opportunity to strengthen the regional economy while aligning with our long-term development goals.”

This opportunity comes at a time of notable momentum for the CEA industry in Virginia, with Danville emerging as a hub of activity due to research assets like the CEA Innovation Center, robust broadband infrastructure, and ready industrial parks.

“Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow across Southern Virginia,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. “This model of co-location can position our communities to compete nationally while delivering long-term economic and workforce benefits.”

Key Findings from the Report:

  • Waste heat from data centers can be repurposed to benefit greenhouse operations by providing energy, heating, and CO₂ for plant growth.
  • CEA offers strong job creation potential, with each 65-acre greenhouse supporting 140–270 jobs, significantly more than a typical data center.
  • Industrial clusters unlock shared infrastructure and economic multipliers, making co-located development more competitive than standalone facilities.
  • Southern Virginia is uniquely positioned to pilot this concept due to its broadband access, industrial sites, and assets like the CEA Innovation Center and robust workforce training programs

The study recommends evaluating specific co-location sites, launching a demonstration project, and building a coalition to coordinate public-private investment. Drawing on decades of greenhouse management experience, report co-author Rob Eddy, RII’s Horticulturist, emphasizes the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with agricultural and data sector growth to maximize economic and environmental returns.

This research aligns with RII’s broader work through the CEA Accelerator, a U.S. Department of Energy-supported initiative advancing energy- and water-efficient agriculture. By integrating co-location strategies into regional development, the report offers a roadmap for communities like Southern Virginia to pursue resilient food systems, efficient industrial design, and long-term job creation.

Download the full study 

Contact: Derek Smith, Executive Director
Email: derek@resourceinnovation.org

About Resource Innovation Institute (RII):
Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit shaping the future of food, energy, water, and data systems. Partnering with governments, utilities, industry leaders, and research institutions, RII develops strategies and tools that scale controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as a solution to global food and resource challenges.
Building on work with the U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USDA, and state agencies, RII is designing Farm Parks, regional resilience hubs that unite high-tech food production, circular resource sharing, and data infrastructure to achieve economies of scale.

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts.

About GO Virginia Region 3
GO Virginia Region 3 works to grow and diversify the economy of Southern Virginia by investing in regional projects that drive innovation, workforce readiness, and business growth.

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
CEA Summit East 2024 Graduate Student Research Poster Competition Call For Entries

CEA Summit East 2024 Graduate Student Research Poster Competition Call For Entries

CEA Summit East 2024 is now accepting abstracts for the Graduate Student Research Poster Competition to be held as part of the October 1-2, 2024, edition at the Institute For Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

CEA Summit East is focused on bringing together the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry and academia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading global 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 Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of CEA.

“Returning for its second year as part of the CEA Summit East, the poster competition is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to showcase their high-quality CEA-related research. It also aims to facilitate networking between students and industry professionals,” says Kaylee South, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech. “The CEA Summit East Partners are excited to invite graduate students to submit their abstracts for consideration.”

CEA Summit East 2023

Competition Eligibility and Guidelines:

  • The competition is open to currently enrolled or recently graduated (Spring 2024 or later) graduate students, including M.S., Ph.D., and professional students.
  • Entrants must present posters on original CEA-related research they have conducted.
  • Abstract submissions must be received by August 16, 2024, for consideration.
  • All posters will be judged and scored at the conference, with winners announced during the breakfast gathering/keynote session on day 2, October 2, 2024.

For more information on abstract submission and competition guidelines, please visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-poster/ or contact Dr. Kaylee South. 

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members. With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/ breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives. 

CEA Summit Website 

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. 

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

CEA Summit East to return to IALR October 1-2

CEA Summit East to return to IALR October 1-2

CEA Summit Brings Academia and Greenhouse, Vertical Farm, Urban Ag, Other CEA Business Sectors Together To Spur Industry Collaboration, Innovation

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returns to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading trade show and conference for the vertical farming | greenhouse | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)-IALR CEA Innovation Center, a joint project of the IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit continues to serve as a premier platform for industry collaboration and innovation.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, Virginia Cooperative Extension personnel, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

“Our partnership with the VT-IALR CEA Innovation Center underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where industry leaders and academia come together to drive innovation and explore new opportunities within the CEA sector.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con

CEA Summit East 2023

With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives.

“The CEA Summit serves as a platform for showcasing the collaborative efforts between industry and academia in advancing CEA research and education,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the VT-IALR CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We are eager to continue driving the momentum of the CEA industry and providing attendees with valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.”

For more information on the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East, including registration, speaking and exhibit opportunities, visit the event website at www.ceasummit.com.

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. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – 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

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.

Harnessing Endophytes for Disease Management in Agriculture

Harnessing Endophytes for Disease Management in Agriculture

Using fungicides in agriculture has long been a double-edged sword, providing effective disease management but also leading to environmental concerns such as resistance development, pollution and unintended harm to non-target organisms. As growers face limited options with the withdrawal of legacy chemistry from the market, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives to conventional agroprotectants.

One promising solution: biocontrol agents.

Biocontrol agents, which are naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, offer environmentally friendly alternatives for disease management. The Plant Endophyte Research Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) maintains a library of more than 2,000 characterized bacterial endophytes. These endophytes reside in the internal plat tissues and function as biostimulants and biocontrol agents.

Fighting Pythium with Biocontrol Agents

In a recently published study, a team of researchers led by IALR Senior Scientist Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa investigated the efficacy of a bacterial endophyte as a biocontrol agent against Pythium ultimum for cucumber and lettuce production.

Featured in the scientific journal POLS ONE, the recently published study investigates the use of a bacterial endophyte called IALR1619 (Pseudomonas sp.) to combat a common plant pathogen, Pythium ultimum. This pathogen causes issues in hydroponic lettuce and cucumber farming by stunting growth and even killing young plants. Pythium is a difficult-to-control disease in indoor and greenhouse farming systems, and there are only a few chemical treatments.

The study found that treating cucumber seedlings with IALR1619 improved their survival rates both when the plant was exposed to Pythium ultimum within one day of inoculation and several days later. Additionally, lettuce plants treated with IALR1619 showed better growth and higher yield than untreated ones, indicating the potential of this approach in different farming systems with a controlled environment.

Implications for Controlled Environment Agriculture Production

The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the natural protective mechanisms of biocontrol agents, growers can mitigate the environmental impact of conventional fungicides while maintaining effective disease control. Using biocontrol agents offers a promising avenue for integrated disease management strategies, providing growers with sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments.

The Research Team

Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist, IALR

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist, IALR

Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR

Robert Chretien, Laboratory Research Associate, IALR

Mitchell Doss, Virginia Tech Research Specialist

Dr. Tim Durham, Associate Professor of Crop Science at Ferrum College

Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

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

Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2023 annual report, which highlights the growing impact IALR and partners are making in Southern Virginia and beyond. In FY 23, IALR expanded its impact with the scaling of programs and the growth of the campus, technology and team.

“The last fiscal year was one of tremendous growth and expansion for our region. All the while, each of our five divisions upheld our mission of economic transformation in critical ways.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

View the Full Report

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 2023:

  • The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continued scaling up toward its target of 800-1,000 annual graduates by 2025.
  • The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program is expanding across the Commonwealth thanks to a $3.4 million grant from GO Virginia and public and private investments.
  • The inaugural Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East brought more than 220 participants from around the world to the IALR campus.
  • The Institute Conference Center hosted 27,600 guests at events and programs, ranging from multi-day conferences to executive business meetings to training seminars.
  • IALR opened and began operations in the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, which supports industry with a variety of services and houses the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
  • Nearly 30 industrial sites across Southern Virginia received a higher certification from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, with 21 moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 and an additional eight sites moving from Tier 2 to Tier 5, which denotes a shovel-ready graded pad site.
  • A new Public Health AmeriCorps program launched to expand public health capacity through education and outreach, including public health workshops.
  • IALR entered into 15 new non-disclosure agreements to partner with companies around the world by providing contract analytical and testing services.
  • Five new companies announced projects in Southern Virginia and four existing companies announced expansions. These projects total 545 new jobs and $335.7 million in capital investments.
  • In its ninth year, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo expanded to a second location at Hampden-Sydney College, allowing the event to reach additional students across more than a dozen Virginia localities.
  • IALR received a $497,890 grant from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for the ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program to grow state-registered apprenticeship in 15 Southern Virginia localities.
  • Megabytes café launched a new and improved menu.
IALR January 2024 Newsletter

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

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IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

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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.