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4 Comprehensive Guides to Advance the CEA Industry

By Resource Innovation Institute|November 17, 2025
The four CEA industry guides developed as part of a federally funded, two-year project.

The four CEA industry guides developed as part of a federally funded, two-year project. | Resource Innovation Institute (RII)

Resource Innovation Institute (RII), a leading non-profit organization advancing resource efficiency in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), has announced the simultaneous release of four major industry guides developed through collaborative working groups with industry representatives, university researchers, policymakers, and technology providers. The publications represent the culmination of a federally funded, two-year project aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the CEA industry at multiple scales and stages of development.

The four guides offer practical, evidence-based guidance on topics ranging from emerging technologies to operational efficiency strategies, resource-sharing models, and international knowledge transfer. Each publication was developed through RII’s proven working group model, which brings together diverse stakeholders to translate complex technical concepts into actionable industry guidance.

“These guides represent a significant milestone in our mission to accelerate the CEA industry while improving resource efficiency,” says Rob Eddy, Horticulturist at RII and lead author on all four publications. “We’ve worked with some of the best minds in academia and industry to create resources that address real challenges facing operations of all sizes — from small family growers to large commercial facilities. Whether you’re evaluating new technologies, seeking efficiency improvements, or exploring collaborative opportunities, these guides provide the non-biased guidance needed to make informed decisions.”

The 4 Comprehensive Publications

1. AI & Advanced Robotics: A Primer for Controlled Environment Agriculture Operations

This comprehensive primer helps greenhouse and indoor farm operators understand, prepare for, and strategically adopt artificial intelligence and robotics technologies. The guide examines current and emerging applications, workforce implications, and provides a realistic vision of CEA in 2035, without the hype. Co-authors are robotics expert Shreyas Kousik, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, and Bryce Carleton (RII).

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2. Accelerating the Adoption of High-Tech Production in U.S. Greenhouses

Co-authored by esteemed CEA researcher Arend-Jan (A.J.) Both, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University, this guide examines the primary barriers preventing widespread adoption of technologies that have become standard practice internationally. Based on findings that identify the U.S. as having the most untapped potential for high-tech greenhouse development globally, the publication addresses regulatory inconsistencies, workforce development needs, and infrastructure challenges while offering strategies for accelerating technology adoption.

3. Connected Agriculture: Best Practices for Greenhouse Colocation and Resource Sharing

This guide explores strategic colocation models that enable greenhouse operations to share resources, infrastructure, and utilities with complementary facilities. Through examination of one-to-one partnerships, district utility systems, and comprehensive Farm Park developments, the publication identifies pathways to reduce energy costs and achieve economies of scale. Authors include Carmen Azzaretti and Derek Smith of RII.

4. Low-Tech to High-Efficiency: Practical Pathways for Greenhouse Operations

Recognizing that small and mid-sized greenhouse operations represent the backbone of U.S. CEA, this guide provides practical technology adoption strategies that build upon existing knowledge while addressing operational challenges. The publication includes technology solutions under $2,000, equipment selection guidance, and workforce development approaches tailored to operations with limited budgets. The guide is expertly co-authored by Qinglu Ying, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture (CEA) at the University of Kentucky. Recommendations are based on finding the right fit for technology to match each operation.

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All four guides are now available as free downloads at https://resourceinnovation.org/resources/.

For more information, to schedule interviews with the authors, or to learn about upcoming working groups, please contact Derek Smith at [email protected].

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Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance resource efficiency to cultivate a better agricultural future. Founded in 2016 in Portland, OR, RII’s Board of Directors includes the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a former Energy Policy Advisor to two Oregon governors, a former board member of the U.S. Green Building Council and leading cannabis industry players. The organization has unique expertise on intelligence, policy and education related to energy use in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). See all author stories here.