Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared March as Virginia Controlled Environment Agriculture Month, recognizing the importance of next-generation agriculture in the Commonwealth.
The proclamation aims to highlight the impact and significance of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), which uses innovative technology in various growing methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and fogponics to cultivate produce in indoor farming, vertical farming, greenhouses, and protected cropping environments.
Officials will recognize the CEA month by visiting operations across the state. The move is expected to bolster Virginia’s agricultural industry and position the state as a leader in next-generation agriculture. Virginia has emerged as a preferred destination for CEA operations due to its access to domestic consumer markets, plentiful and competitively priced resources, a skilled workforce and the availability of public and private partnerships.
“As consumer demand for safe, sustainable, and locally grown food increases, Virginia provides the ideal home for indoor farming companies. Recent CEA economic development announcements are clear indications of the advantages that make the Commonwealth the best location in the nation for companies growing our food safely and sustainably,” Gov. Youngkin said. “I am thrilled Virginia is playing a leading role in the indoor farming revolution that is changing where much of our food is coming from.”
Read more at wset.com