OHCEAC announces keynote lineup for fifth annual CEA conference in Columbus

The Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) has announced the keynote speaker lineup for its fifth annual CEA Conference, scheduled for July 15, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, with an online attendance option also available.

This year's conference centers on the theme "New Crops in CEA," with presentations spanning culinary herbs, soilless berry production, hydroponic hops, spinach, mushrooms, and vegetable grafting.

© Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center

Keynote speakers and topics
Confirmed presenters include Dr. Roberto Lopez of Michigan State University, who will address culinary herbs in greenhouses and vertical farms, and Bob Jones of The Chef's Garden, covering regenerative production of high-value vegetable crops in controlled environments. Dr. Costanza Zavalloni of Driscoll's will present on raspberry and blackberry production in soilless substrate culture, with a focus on global trends, while Dr. Myles Lewis of Arizona Vegetable Company will examine hydroponic hops for the fresh market.

Dr. Yujin Park of Arizona State University will address advances in hydroponic spinach production. Rounding out the program, Dr. Erika Lyon and Dr. Jason Hollick, both of The Ohio State University, will cover emerging opportunities in mushroom production and vegetable grafting, respectively.

Further programme details are expected in the coming weeks.

Source: Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC)