As the world grapples with the future of food production, one question looms large: Can specialty crops revolutionize the way we farm indoors? Ahead of the highly anticipated Indoor Ag-Con, we sat down with Michael Evans, Ph.D., a leading expert in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), to explore this very topic. Evans, whose work focuses on optimizing the production of greens, herbs, strawberries, and micro tomatoes, is set to headline the Rising Stars: Specialty Crops That Could Redefine CEA panel on Thursday, February 12, at 3:30 p.m. PST. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if the key to CEA's future lies not just in traditional crops, but in those that challenge our conventional thinking?
When asked about the current trends in specialty crops, Evans didn’t hold back. “We’re at a crossroads in CEA,” he explained. “It’s easy to get caught up in the technology, but we mustn’t forget our agricultural roots. We’re here to grow food efficiently and profitably—that’s the bottom line.” And this is the part most people miss: while leafy greens have dominated the CEA landscape, the real innovation might be happening in less obvious areas.
Evans highlighted several crops that are currently under the microscope. “Strawberries are still a hot topic,” he noted. “Researchers are making significant strides in adapting them for CEA, which could be a game-changer for both growers and consumers.” But it’s not just strawberries—caneberries like blackberries and raspberries are also gaining traction. “These crops require a completely different approach to plant management,” Evans added. “It’s not just about growing them; it’s about reimagining how we interact with the plants themselves.”
And here’s where it gets controversial: Evans believes protein-rich crops could be the next big thing in CEA. “Protein carries a higher market value, and global demand is skyrocketing,” he argued. “While not everyone agrees, I think there’s a strong case for integrating protein crops into CEA systems.” This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we ready to shift from traditional produce to crops that could potentially feed a protein-hungry world?
As we look ahead to Indoor Ag-Con, one thing is clear: the future of CEA is far from settled. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious newcomer, Evans’ insights challenge us to think bigger and bolder. What do you think? Are protein crops the future of indoor farming, or should we stick to what we know? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just getting started. For more in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the full discussion at Produce Grower [https://www.producegrower.com/article/michael-evans-indoor-ag-con-specialty-crops-cea-indoor-farming/].
