MONTEREY, CA - Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is on the brain for many in the fresh produce industry, and the Organic Produce Network is making sure the necessary conversations take place. At the 2022 Organic Produce Summit (OPS), the association will be hosting a second CEA education session titled CEA Part 2 – CEA of Tomorrow: From the Greenhouse to the Consumer. Leadership from top organic CEA producers and a progressive retailer will offer their insight on performance, pricing, marketing challenges, and more.

“The race to feed 9.8 billion people by 2050 has begun,” said Todd Linsky, moderator for the event and host of Todd-versations. “How we are going to do it organically is a work in progress. The issues and opportunities surrounding CEA are certainly worthy of greater input and understanding. This panel will offer attendees the chance to hear from CEA and retail leadership on how these products are grown and marketed while learning more about the challenges and opportunities these new items offer consumers.”

Panelists for the session include Matt Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Soli Organic; Brendon Krieg, Co-Founder and Vice President of Revol Greens; and Andrew McGregor, Vice President of Produce for Sprouts Farmers Market.

The ramifications of hydroponically grown items being eligible for organic certification is the subject of the first of the two-part session, CEA Part 1-Hydroponics: To Soil or Not to Soil?, a press release stated. The session will feature industry leaders from opposing sides of the issue discussing the current lawsuit filed against USDA, and what the future may look like.

In addition to the pair of educational sessions devoted to CEA, other sessions slated for OPS 2022 will explore regenerative agriculture, branded vs. private label organic offerings, sustainability across the supply chain, organic sales data (from the first half of 2022), and the impact of inflation on consumer purchasing behavior. OPS 2022 will also feature three keynote presentations, two of which have been announced.

A selection of field tours are also on the books for qualified retailers and buyers, a gala opening night reception, and a sold-out trade show floor featuring over 150 producers and processors from across North America and the globe.

Registration to attend OPS 2022 is available here.

As we continue inching closer toward the event, ANUK will be here bringing you the latest updates.

Organic Produce Network