CEA Industry Opportunities*

Technology Opportunities

Market Opportunities

Policy Opportunities

Near-Term (0-3 years)

Near-Term

Near-Term

• Production gains through control systems could increase competitiveness of products

 
• New developments in lighting, i.e. LED systems

 
• Development of new control algorithms could decrease the amount of labor needed

• Local food buzz is growing demand

 
• Heightened fear of food contamination

 
• Food miles are a growing concern

 
• Rising produce consumption expands market for healthy produce

 
• Synergy with CEA and renewable energy sources could improve branding

• Time of use electric rate structures could improve economics of control systems

 
• Potential increase in federal investment from the new farm bill

 
• Inclusion of health education in new farm bill could increase production and consumption of local food

 
• Expand state assistance to CEA industry

Mid-Term (4-10 years)

Mid-Term

Mid-Term

• Overall energy competitiveness of CEA systems vs. field grown

• Expanding beyond niche markets

 
• Increased visibility of best practices in CEA operations could grow the market

 
• Expansion into growing pharmaceuticals

• Changes in net metering allowances could improve energy benefits

 
• Further revisions to the farm bill