The forthcoming 2nd annual edition of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is set to receive an illuminating opening keynote address from Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr. Scheduled for September 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Institute Conference Center in Danville, VA, the event aspires to bring together members of the CEA business and academic community to propel growth opportunities within the sector.
Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, a leading vertical farming | CEA gathering, and the CEA Innovation Center – a collaborative venture between the IALR, Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center – the CEA Summit East seeks to foster collaboration and innovation while advancing the CEA sector.
Secretary Lohr’s opening keynote, titled “Virginia’s Commitment to Next Generation Agriculture: Leading the Indoor Farming Revolution,” is anticipated to shed light on the state’s instrumental role in the CEA sector. He will delve into Virginia’s endeavors encompassing research and development investments, workforce training initiatives, and infrastructural support tailored to bolster the growth of the CEA industry. Attendees can expect valuable insights into Virginia’s strategic plans, support mechanisms, and collaborative avenues for driving innovation.
Matthew Lohr brings a profound connection to agriculture, having been raised on a multi-generational family farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. With a background steeped in agricultural education and public service, Lohr’s experience spans over three decades, making him a seasoned advocate for the agricultural industry and rural America. In his current capacity as Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Lohr oversees significant state agencies, propelling him to the forefront of agricultural policy and innovation.
Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con, expressed enthusiasm over Secretary Lohr’s participation, highlighting Virginia’s unique advantages as a promising hub for CEA companies. Sullivan remarked, “His keynote is the perfect kick-off to the insightful discussions, networking, and growth opportunities that will all be part of this year’s event.”
Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR, echoed Sullivan’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships in driving sector growth. Dr. Lowman emphasized that Secretary Lohr’s keynote will spotlight Virginia’s collaborative efforts as a catalyst for advancements reverberating beyond state borders.
The CEA Summit East aims to cater to both newcomers and seasoned professionals within the CEA industry across the Eastern US. The event promises a diverse range of activities including keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout sessions, tabletop exhibits showcasing innovations, and networking opportunities.
With Secretary Lohr’s impactful opening keynote, the CEA Summit East is poised to provide a compelling platform for industry players to converge, exchange ideas, and advance the future of controlled environment agriculture.