Education Is Critical for Indoor Farming Industry to Thrive

Posted by Brian Sparks|June 15, 2020

Indoor farming requires a specific knowledge base. A National Science Foundation-funded research project, “Strategic FEW (food, energy, water) and Workforce Investments to Enhance Viability of Controlled Environment Agriculture in Metropolitan Areas” (CEA Viability in Metro Areas) seeks to help the controlled-environment industry develop a skilled workforce that will allow it to scale.

As part of this project, Anu Rangarajan and her team at Cornell University have conducted research to understand the workforce/labor needs of the broader hydroponics industry (greenhouse and indoor vertical farms). The project has surveyed dozens of stakeholders.

In 2019, 12 industry members were brought together in an intensive Designing a Curriculum (DACUM) workshop in which participants reflected on the skills sets required to be an Indoor Farm Operations Manager. A chart is currently being reviewed by peer growers worldwide, who are being asked to respond to how important each skill set is and how frequently it is conducted. Based on stakeholder input the chart will be used as a starting point for prioritizing training modules.

Next, a deeper analysis of each skill will be conducted in order to translate this research into a teachable vocational curriculum. In a webinar taking place on June 18, the GLASE consortium will share preliminary research findings, outline ongoing efforts to develop a solid empirical basis for CEA workforce development training programs, and invite webinar audience members to participate in this important study.