NEW YORK CITY, NY - After recently completing the formation of its governance structure, the CEA Food Safety Coalition is welcoming new members to join leading controlled environment leafy greens producers in establishing food safety standards, educating, and protecting consumer health.

“The growing methods in our industry are different as compared to field-grown produce,” said the Coalition’s Chairman Paul Lightfoot. “This coalition provides an opportunity for all brands in the space to collaborate to further protect consumers by establishing standards and sharing insights. This is a critically important step in maintaining consumer confidence and supporting the growth of our industry.”

As part of its official launch, which included filing its articles of incorporation and adopting bylaws, the coalition elected and announced the roster for its Board of Directors, including the following:

• Board Chairman - Paul Lightfoot (BrightFarms)
• Acting Executive Director – Jack Seaver (Plenty)
• Board Vice Chairman – Marc Oshima (AeroFarms)
• Board Secretary – Christopher Livingston (Bowery Farming)
• Board Treasurer – Paul Sellew (Little Leaf Farms)
• Board Member - Michele Kubista (Revol Greens)
• Board Member Daniel Malech (Plenty)

CEA stands for controlled environment agriculture, which, according to a press release, is agricultural food production in environments that are indoors (such as in greenhouses and vertical farms) and controlled, providing crops with ideal growing conditions and protection from outdoor elements (such as weather and animals).

“We frequently get questions from growers and buyers as to what food safety means in a CEA environment,” said Dr. Jennifer McEntire, Vice President for Food Safety at United Fresh Produce Association. “We look forward to helping the coalition develop appropriate food safety standards for this growing segment”

The coalition is currently developing an enrollment process for admitting new members and encourages all leafy greens growers employing controlled environment methods (including hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics) and who are willing to submit to third party food safety auditing to join—and even apply for the permanent Executive Director role.

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