Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA)
Welcome to the forefront
of sustainable farming!
Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) represents a revolutionary approach to food production, where crops are grown in controlled environments to optimize conditions such as temperature, light, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and nutrient delivery.
By leveraging advanced technologies, CEA allows for efficient, year-round cultivation, increased yields and quality and reduced resource consumption, reshaping the future of agriculture by providing fresh, high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact.
CEA systems can include greenhouses, vertical farms, hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics. The most advanced systems are fully automated, closed loop systems with controlled lighting, water and ventilation. CEA also encompasses common practices such as plastic film over field-grown crops, nets or shade structures and aquaponics systems that integrate fish or aquaculture with plant production.
Cultivating a greener, healthier future for all.
The key advantages of CEA are the ability to produce food year-round, reduce water and land use, and minimize the impact of external environmental factors, such as weather and pests.
This approach to agriculture is particularly valuable in urban areas and regions with harsh climates, contributing to food security and sustainable farming practices. CEA aids in climate change adaptation by reducing crop failure risk in harsher conditions when compared to traditional outdoor systems.
Market size
The global controlled environmental agriculture market size was valued at USD 98.72 billion in 2023, and the worldwide controlled environment agriculture market size is expected to reach USD 423.24 billion by 2033, according to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting.
North America is expected to hold the largest share of the global controlled environment agriculture market over the forecast period. Both governmental and commercial investments in CEA and alternative food production techniques have increased dramatically in recent years.
Benefits of Controlled Environmental Agriculture
- Extended growing seasons: Controlled conditions allow a variety of crops to be grown and harvested year-round regardless of the season.
- Sustainable development: CEA facilities can be located in repurposed warehouses, strip malls and other types of large, vacant buildings.
- Economic opportunities: CEA can increase economic and employment opportunities, especially for start-up CEAs.
- Locally sourced food: Locally sourced produce reduces transportation costs and increases speed to markets.
- Reduced pesticide use: Compared to conventional farming, there is potential to use fewer pesticides as pest access to CEA facilities is more limited.
- Less nutrient loss: The application of nutrients can be easily measured and monitored, resulting in greater efficiency versus conventional farming practices.