Introduction to Controlled Environment Agriculture

This course will provide fundamental knowledge of indoor farming under controlled environment conditions and build a foundation for those entering, advancing or investing in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. At the end of the course, you will understand the history of CEA, the range of employment opportunities, common business models, the major processes of indoor farming, current technologies, and the challenges and drivers of success and profitability of indoor farming.

Designed for anyone broadly interested in indoor farming, this course is appropriate for those who seek to enter or advance their role in the CEA industry, those who are interested in establishing small farming businesses or start-up companies, potential investors and policymakers. Others who work within the controlled environment agriculture sector as suppliers or educators, operations managers, safety and compliance officers, marketing analysts and more will also find this course beneficial.

Students should expect to spend approximately 6 to 8 hours a week on recorded lectures, readings and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

• Examine the social, environmental and political factors that led to the CEA industry’s expansion
• Understand the difference between greenhouse and vertical farming
• Learn the major processes that occur in indoor crop production
• Understand the current technologies used in CEA
• Identify the key drivers of success in CEA businesses
• Develop a business plan that optimizes environmental conditions to maximize yield and profitability

Skills You’ll Gain

• Major business models used in CEA
• Development of business plans to optimize environmental conditions
• Identification of key drivers of success and profit in CEA