Controlled Environment Agriculture    CEA

Urban Farms, Greenhouses, ​Indoor/Vertical Farming,
​Hydroponic  and Aquaponics
helping economic and workforce development.
helping our communities.

2026

​The Top 25 Greenhouse Produce Growers in the U.S. in 2026

Korean smart farm technology drives hydroponic strawberry production in Uzbekistan

​Taylor Farms Makes Deal for Largest Greenhouse Grower in Mid-Atlantic

​Edible Garden expands Midwest retail distribution through agreement with Busch’s

Growcer Acquires Freight Farms, Opening a New Chapter for Modular Farming

Beyond Vertical Farming Hype: Lessons Learned From 300 Global Projects

​Integrating Aquaponics Into Urban Farming for Sustainable Food Production

https://www.agritecture.com/blog/aquaponics-urban-farming-sustainable-food?

​Sunden Farms focuses on building local supply chains                                                         "‘Buy local for good’ is a call for regional self-sufficiency"

Shipping containers are increasingly being used for controlled environment agriculture (CEA). These innovative farms, often referred to as container farms, allow crops to be grown in a controlled setting, independent of external weather conditions[1][2].
Some key benefits of container farming include:

• Year-round production: Crops can be grown continuously, regardless of the season.
• Efficiency: These farms use minimal water and can be set up in urban areas or places with limited space[1].
• Sustainability: Container farms reduce environmental impact by optimizing resource use[2].

For example, Freight Farms offers the Greenery™ S, a hydroponic farm built inside a shipping container, enabling fresh food production anywhere, year-round[3]

References
[1] Green Thumbs Up: Shipping Container Farms
[2] Farm In A Box: What Exactly Is Container Farming? - Conex Boxes
[3] The Greenery S | Controlled Hydroponic Container - Freight Farms
​

Below is a business‑focused, decision‑maker‑oriented list of the top websites regularly covering Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)—including greenhouses, vertical farming, indoor ag, ag‑tech, finance, policy, and consolidation. I’ve prioritized outlets that go beyond grower tactics and focus on markets, strategy, M&A, capital, regulation, and leadership.

Tier 1: Most Influential CEA Business & Industry News Sources1. CEAg WorldBest overall business lens on CEA

• Focus: CEA economics, profitability, capital markets, technology, M&A, labor, and policy
• Audience: Executives, investors, operators, ag‑tech firms
• Known for: State of the CEA Industry reports and impact awards
• Website: https://www.ceagworld.com [ceagworld.com]

2. Produce GrowerStrong on policy, labor, and large‑scale business moves

• Focus: CEA produce, greenhouse investment, labor, tariffs, closures, hiring
• Audience: Large growers, food system executives, associations
• Excellent year‑in‑review business analysis
• Website: https://www.producegrower.com [producegrower.com]

3. Greenhouse GrowerWhere greenhouse CEA meets business management

• Focus: Strategy, technology adoption, costs, AI, leadership transitions
• Audience: Commercial greenhouse operators and suppliers
• Frequently cross‑publishes CEAg World intelligence
• Website: https://www.greenhousegrower.com [greenhousegrower.com]

Tier 2: Business‑Relevant Trade & Market Intelligence4. Greenhouse Product News (GPN)Supplier and infrastructure intelligence for CEA

• Focus: Technology systems, inputs, automation, expansion investments
• Audience: Commercial growers, ag‑tech vendors, consultants
• Strong reporting cadence (weekly industry news)
• Website: https://gpnmag.com

5. Vertical Farm DailyGlobal CEA business intelligence

• Focus: Global expansions, bankruptcies, leadership changes, funding
• Audience: International growers, investors, suppliers
• More transactional and market‑driven than academic
• Website: https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com

6. Urban Ag NewsBusiness + ecosystem development

• Focus: Conferences, leadership, education, partnerships, policy
• Audience: Ecosystem builders, planners, organizations, universities
• Strong on industry convening and trends
• Website: https://urbanagnews.com

Tier 3: Policy, Capital & Macro‑Business Context7. CEA Alliance (Trade Association)Not journalism—but essential business signal

• Focus: Policy advocacy, industry statements, membership growth
• Audience: Executives, policymakers, media
• Strong indicator of regulatory and market positioning
• Website: https://ceaalliance.com

8. DairyBusiness / Ag Business MediaCrossover ag‑finance and policy coverage

• Focus: USDA funding, risk, loan guarantees, financial stability
• Useful for lenders, investors, and public‑sector watchers
• Website: https://dairybusiness.com [dairybusiness.com]

Tier 4: Thought Leadership & Investor‑Focused Commentary9. AGEYE (Ag‑Data & Investor Analysis)Not traditional media—but very influential

• Focus: CEA performance, failures, unit economics, investor realism
• Audience: Funds, founders, strategists
• Blunt, data‑heavy, capital‑markets perspective
• Website: https://ageyetech.com

Quick Summary Table
Executive‑level CEA business news
CEAg World
Policy, labor, M&A
Produce Grower
Greenhouse business operations
Greenhouse Grower
Technology & infrastructure
GPN
Global market moves
Vertical Farm Daily
Ecosystem & events
Urban Ag News
Regulatory signals
CEA Alliance
Finance & risk
AGEYE

​Here are some recent developments (2025) in indoor buildings being converted into urban farms, along with the types of crops being grown:

🌿 1. Vertical Farms in Hybrid Office Spaces

• Source: Work Design Magazine, April 2025
• Concept: Office buildings are being redesigned to include vertical farming zones.
• Crops Grown: Leafy greens (lettuce, kale), herbs, and strawberries.
• Purpose: Boost food security, enhance sustainability, and repurpose underused commercial real estate.

🚀 2. Game-Changing Indoor Agriculture Trends

• Source: Farmonaut, 2025
• Technologies Used:
  • LED lighting tailored to crop needs
  • Climate-controlled environments
  • Hydroponics and aeroponics
• Crops Grown: Basil, mint, arugula, spinach, and microgreens.
• Impact: Up to 95% less water usage compared to traditional farming; year-round production.

🔧 3. IFCO Systems Report on Indoor Farming

• Source: IFCO Systems, July 2025
• Trends Highlighted:
  • Vertical agriculture
  • Hydroponic and aeroponic systems
• Crops Grown: Specialty herbs, microgreens, and leafy vegetables.
• Challenges: High energy use, scalability, and limited crop variety.

Would you like a summary table of these projects or a visual timeline showing how these trends have evolved? I can also help you explore how similar concepts could be applied to spaces in your area.

​Here are some examples of abandoned malls that have been converted into urban farms, along with the types of crops being grown:
🏢 Converted Malls into Urban Farms

1. Southland Mall (Memphis, Tennessee)
   
   • Project: Converted part of the mall into an indoor vertical farm.
   • Crops: Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and arugula; herbs such as basil and mint.
   • Method: Hydroponics and LED lighting systems.
2. Northland Center (Southfield, Michigan)
   
   • Project: Redevelopment includes urban farming initiatives.
   • Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, and microgreens.
   • Method: Aquaponics and community garden plots.
3. Valley View Center (Dallas, Texas)
   
   • Project: Some sections repurposed for community farming and education.
   • Crops: Spinach, Swiss chard, and strawberries.
   • Method: Raised beds and container gardening.
4. Randall Park Mall (North Randall, Ohio)
   
   • Project: While much of the mall was redeveloped, parts were used for urban agriculture pilot programs.
   • Crops: Mushrooms, herbs, and leafy greens.
   • Method: Indoor farming with climate control.
5. Rolling Acres Mall (Akron, Ohio)
   
   • Project: Experimental vertical farming in unused retail space.
   • Crops: Romaine lettuce, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
   • Method: Vertical towers and hydroponic systems.

These projects are part of a growing movement to revitalize unused commercial spaces and address food insecurity, sustainability, and urban renewal [1].
Would you like help creating a visual map or timeline of these transformations? Or perhaps you'd like to explore how to start a similar project locally?

References
[1] Urban Farms Sprout From Sprawl | Planet Natural

​​Container farming is quite versatile, allowing for a wide range of crops to be grown efficiently. Here are some of the best crops for container farming:

1. Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are excellent choices due to their fast growth and high nutritional value[1].
2. Herbs: Basil, mint, oregano, and parsley thrive in containers and are popular for their culinary uses[2][1].
3. Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips can be grown successfully in containers, providing crunchy and nutritious additions to meals[1].
4. Tomatoes: Cherry and plum tomatoes are particularly well-suited for container farming, offering a continuous harvest throughout the season[2].
5. Microgreens: These young seedlings of vegetables and herbs pack a flavorful punch and are quick to grow[1].

These crops are not only efficient in terms of space and resources but also provide a steady yield, making them ideal for container farming.
Are you considering starting a container farm, or do you have specific crops in mind that you'd like to grow?

References
[1] Container Farm Crop Guide | Vertical Farming Tips - Freight Farms
[2] 16 Vegetables That Are Easily Grown in Pots or Containers - Epic Gardening

​US: Plenty enters into chapter 11 bankruptcy

​Cultivating the Future: Enhancing Farm Viability in Western Connecticut

click on logo for news

US: Fighting for equality in the urban growing space

Fresh from Montreal

2024

• Agtech seedlings: Plenty closes flagship indoor lettuce farm in California
• Oshi moves plant-based salmon production to US
• There’s a New Tomato Coming to Stores That Promises To Be Perfectly Ripe Year Round
• ​High-end strawberry grower Oishii opens solar-powered indoor vertical farm utilizing robots
• Vertical Harvest secures $59.5 million project financing for its Westbrook Maine farm
• Canada: Growcer raises $3 million in series A

​​The daily structure and personal fulfillment of a job well done is an essential part of life—and it’s just as important for individuals with autism as it is for anyone else. Yet, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. At Greens Do Good, a hydroponic, vertical farm in Hackensack, NJ. 

Vertical strawberry grower Oishii clinches $134M amid indoor farming woes 
Report: Global Seafood Production Could Rise 20% to 2050

“We forecast an increase in overall marine seafood production of about 20% to 2050,” said Bente Pretlove, Program Director of Ocean Space at DNV Group, in the report. “While capture fisheries output is stagnant, marine aquaculture will double and finfish production almost triple in this period.”

In 2023, the world's production of finfish is estimated to be around 39.6 million metric tons (MMT), which is a 1.8 percent increase from 2022. Global production is expected to increase by 4.3% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025, if there are no unforeseen biological problems. 

Finfish species include: 

Baitfish, Catfish, Salmon, Striped bass, Tilapia, Trout. 

Finfish aquaculture uses many different farming methods, including:

• Land-based recirculation
• Flow-through tanks
• Nearshore cages
• Coastal ponds
• Offshore cages 

The West Coast's commercial finfish aquaculture process starts in land-based hatcheries. Salmon are then transferred to in-water net pens or larger land-based tanks for grow-out and harvest. 

According to a UN study, aquaculture can improve food security and nutrition by increasing the amount of seafood available for people to eat. 

Humans of Hydroponics: Meet Ashly Trask of Grand Hyatt Kauai
​

2023

• Putting horticulture back into CEA
• Healthy Greens Jersey City & Oura: Measuring the Impact of Urban Farming in Food Deserts
• Aerofarms exits from Chapter 11 and appoints new CEO
• Indoor farm company Plenty scales up
• 1st Gene-Edited Produce for U.S. Retail Coming Soon
• ​Another Vertical-Farming Company Files for Chapter 11                                                AppHarvest pursues financial and operational transition to reduce outstanding liabilities
• AeroFarms updates bankruptcy restructuring efforts
• The industry responds to AeroFarms' bankruptcy news
• ​BEYOND PRICE PARITY, CEA MUST FOCUS MORE ON CONSUMER DEMAND TO TRULY SCALE
• Six Greenhouse HVAC Trends to Watch in 2023
• AeroFarms’ Newark farm transitioning to R&D
• MASTRONARDI ACQUIRES INDOOR LEAFY GREENS FARM FOR $127 MILLION

Projects that inspire.​

In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a town centered around its tourism industry, 78 percent of people living with disabilities are unemployed. But now, a local farm is working to change that. In partnership with the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, Matter of Fact Correspondent Leone Lahkani travels to Wyoming to see how Vertical Harvest is creating economic options for people with disabilities.  

​Vertical Harvest How A Farm Provides Upward Mobility for People with DisabilitiesDisney hydroponicsHydroponics is a method of growing plants using just water and nutrients, and Disney uses this technology throughout their greenhouses. ... But it's quicker than growing crops in the soil, it uses less water, and it allows growers to stack plants closer together.

​​Behind the Seeds Tour | Walt Disney World Resort
​
Disney World Has A Magical Greenhouse Where Giant Produce Is Grown

Vertical Farms

• ​Indoor Vertical Farm Breaks Ground in Virginia
• BrightFarms to hosting virtual grand opening of NC indoor farm​
• ​Do You Want To Be An Urban Farmer? Now There Is A Way
• ​Indoor Vertical Farming Expands Retail Presence
• AeroFarms Expands Global Headquarters to Support Growth and Innovation

Top Vertical Farms

• AeroFarms
• Plenty
• Green Spirit Farms
• Bowery Farming
• BrightFarms
• Gotham Greens
• Iron Ox
• InFarm.

Aquaponics Feeding the World While Protecting Our Oceans
​
According to the United Nations, the planet must produce 70 percent more food by 2050 to meet growing global hunger needs.  The World Wildlife Fund says approximately 3 billion people in the world currently rely on seafood as a primary source of protein.  The Bumble Bee Seafood Company is working closely within the industry and with NGOs and governments globally to rebuild ocean abundance and diversity to ensure seafood remains a viable and vital long-term source to feed a surging population.


American shoppers are also increasingly sharing concerns about the health of the planet. According to a 2020 study conducted by IBM and the National Retail Federation, 57 percent of consumers surveyed said they were willing to change their buying habits to reduce their impact on the environment.  And in a GlobeScan survey from that same year, 55 percent of U.S. seafood consumers – including many who live hundreds of miles from an ocean shoreline – agreed that fish and other seafood should only be consumed from sustainable sources.
Aquaponics refers to a food production system that couples aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, snails or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) whereby the nutrient rich aquaculture water is fed to hydroponic grown plant, involving nitrifying bacteria for converting ammonia into nitrates.
​
As existing hydroponic and aquaculture farming techniques form the basis for all aquaponic systems, the size, complexity, and types of foods grown in an aquaponic system can vary as much as any system found in either distinct farming discipline.

Hydroponics​Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture which involves growing plants (usually crops) without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent. Terrestrial plants may grow with their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid, or, in addition, the roots may be physically supported by an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or other substrates. Despite inert media, roots can cause changes of the rhizosphere pH and root exudates can affect rhizosphere biology.

The nutrients used in hydroponic systems can come from many different sources, including fish excrement, duck manure, purchased chemical fertilizers, or artificial nutrient solutions. Plants commonly grown hydroponically, on inert media, include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuces, cannabis, and model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana. Hydroponics offers many advantages, notably a decrease in water usage in agriculture. To grow 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of tomatoes using intensive farming methods requires 400 liters (88 imp gal; 110 U.S. gal) of water; using hydroponics, 70 liters (15 imp gal; 18 U.S. gal); and only 20 liters (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 U.S. gal) using aeroponics. Since hydroponics takes much less water to grow produce, it could be possible in the future for people in harsh environments with little accessible water to grow their own food.

​Below is a comprehensive, trade‑focused list of websites used by the Controlled Environment Gardening / Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. I’ve grouped them by how professionals actually use them: trade associations, industry news & media, conferences, suppliers/marketplaces, and research & extension hubs. I’m being explicit about scope so you can separate true trade sites from academic or retail‑only resources.

1. Trade Associations & Industry Organizations (Core “Trade” Sites)These represent growers, vendors, and service providers and are central to industry networking, advocacy, and standards.

• CEA Alliance (Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance) – Primary U.S. trade association for vertical farms and greenhouse producers. Publishes news, events, and industry resources.
  https://ceaalliance.com/ [ceaalliance.com]
• Resource Innovation Institute (RII) – Industry nonprofit producing CEA operational and efficiency guides used by commercial growers and suppliers.
  Covered via Greenhouse Grower industry reporting. [greenhousegrower.com]

2. Trade Media, Industry News & Market Analysis (Very Important)These are the main trade publications professionals follow for trends, business intelligence, and technology updates.

• CEAg World – Dedicated global trade media outlet focused exclusively on controlled environment agriculture, vertical farming, and greenhouse production.
  https://www.ceagworld.com/ [ceagworld.com]
• Urban Ag News – Industry news and market analysis covering U.S. and North American CEA, including business, finance, and technology.
  https://urbanagnews.com/ [urbanagnews.com]
• Greenhouse Grower – Long‑running commercial greenhouse trade publication covering CEA operations, technology, and management.
  https://www.greenhousegrower.com/ [greenhousegrower.com]
• Inside Grower – Greenhouse and controlled environment trade magazine frequently referenced by universities and industry groups.
  Referenced via Cornell CEA resources. [cea.cals.cornell.edu]

3. Trade Shows, Conferences & Industry Events (Web Hubs)These sites function as trade marketplaces and networking hubs, even outside event dates.

• Indoor Ag‑Con – Major North American trade show for indoor farming and CEA technologies; frequently cited by Cornell and CEAg World.
  Referenced in Cornell CEA materials. [cea.cals.cornell.edu]
• CEAg World Conference & Expo – Industry conference and expo linked to CEAg World media platform.
  https://www.ceagworld.com/ [ceagworld.com]

4. Commercial Suppliers & B2B Marketplaces (Trade‑Facing)These are trade‑oriented suppliers, many serving commercial greenhouse and vertical farm operators.

• CropKing – Commercial hydroponic and greenhouse manufacturer serving controlled environment agriculture since the 1980s.
  https://cropking.com/ [cropking.com]
• Hydrotek Hydroponics – Wholesale distributor focused on commercial greenhouse and licensed producers.
  https://www.hydrotekhydroponics.com/ [hydrotekhy…ponics.com]
• GrowersHouse – Professional hydroponics and CEA equipment supplier with consulting services.
  https://growershouse.com/ [growershouse.com]
• HydroBuilder – Large B2B and advanced grower marketplace serving indoor and greenhouse operations.
  https://hydrobuilder.com/ [hydrobuilder.com]
• Greenhouse Megastore (Hydroponics section) – Trade‑oriented greenhouse and CEA supply platform.
  https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/collections/hydroponics [greenhouse…astore.com]

5. Research, Extension & Industry‑Facing Knowledge Hubs(Not “trade publications,” but heavily used by professionals and vendors)

• Cornell Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) – Widely referenced by industry for best practices and technical guidance.
  https://cea.cals.cornell.edu/ [cea.cals.cornell.edu]
• University of Arizona – Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) – Major industry‑connected research and extension center.
  https://ceac.arizona.edu/ [ceac.arizona.edu]
• NC State CEA Coalition – Industry‑focused research coalition working directly with commercial partners.
  https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cea/ [units.cals.ncsu.edu]

How the Industry Typically Uses These

• Daily news & market direction → CEAg World, Urban Ag News, Greenhouse Grower
• Networking & advocacy → CEA Alliance
• Buying & sourcing → CropKing, Hydrotek, GrowersHouse, HydroBuilder
• Technology validation & best practices → Cornell CEA, UA‑CEAC, NC State CEA

cow created by Matthew Fugazzie