AI Is Taking Root in CEA—Now We Need Your Voice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just whispers in research corridors—it’s reshaping Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in real-time. From automating lighting systems to optimizing irrigation, AI is rapidly becoming the backbone of next-gen farms.

1. AI Gains Momentum: What 2024 Census Revealed

The 2024 Global CEA Census offered our first true snapshot of the role of AI in CEA. While AI was still in its early stages, nearly 30% of growers who responded to the 2024 CEA Census signaled active plans to explore AI, alongside sensors and IoT integrations in climate control systems. Adoption areas included lighting, fertigation, and pest management—though most respondents admitted they were only scratching the surface.

2. AI Takes Center Stage in 2025

Now, with the 2025 Global CEA Census officially open, AI is firmly in the spotlight. This year’s survey dives deeper, asking critical questions about AI deployment—from autonomous climate control and real-time analytics to yield forecasting and energy optimization.

We’re making the survey more inclusive too. Whether you’re a grower, technician, supplier, or researcher—even if AI is just on your radar—your input is invaluable to map the sector’s future.

🔗 Take the 2025 Census now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78MJ6Y5

3. Spotlight: Industry R&D in Action

Remember the powerful stories from our sponsors last year? They’re building on those innovations—and this year’s crop of AI-powered initiatives is growing even deeper.

Priva continues to refine its climate control systems with predictive AI models, aiming to cut energy use while stabilizing growing conditions.

TTA‑ISO pushes automation forward, using AI-driven robotics for transplanting, harvest, and labor management.

Sollum Technologies, our first 2025 Gold Sponsor, is accelerating the revolution in lighting. Their SUN as a Service® dynamic LED platform uses AI to generate crop-specific light recipes that adapt to plant stage, environmental feedback, and energy pricing .

New Breakthrough: Sollum + Optimal

Just announced this June: Sollum has partnered with Optimal, a leading AI greenhouse climate- and irrigation-control platform. Together, they’ve merged Sollum’s real-time dynamic lighting with Optimal’s climate & irrigation AI—with full integration into growers’ existing control systems.

This system adjusts lighting, temperature, humidity, and irrigation 24/7, guided by AI that learns crop needs and external weather conditions—while growers spend less than 10 minutes weekly managing the system.

This is true end‑to‑end automation—and we want your real-world insights on how it’s working (or not) on the ground.

4. Why Your Voice Matters

The 2025 Census is more than just data—it's our industry's collective playbook.

• Benchmark AI adoption and barriers across regions and crop types

• Fuel investment and R&D in tools that actually solve problems

• Shape policy frameworks by showing real-world AI outcomes

Plus, you’ll be entered into our prize draw to win $1,000 towards a trip to CEAg World 2025, free access to Agritecture Designer, and get early access to census insights—data that could directly influence your next quarter’s strategy.

5. A Shout-Out to Our Gold Sponsor: Sollum Technologies

Huge thanks to Sollum Technologies for stepping up as the first confirmed Gold Sponsor for 2025. Their continued investment in advanced AI systems—culminating in the Optimal partnership—is exactly what’s pushing CEA into its next frontier.

6. What to Do Next

1. Fill out the survey

2. Spread the word

3. Win cool prizes

Here’s a ready‑to‑post social update for your feed:

Just completed the 2025 Global CEA Census! It’s great to share how AI tools—from smart lighting to fully automated climate systems—are shaping the future of farming. Take part & win! #CEACensus2025. 🔗 Take the 2025 Census now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78MJ6Y5

The AI-infused farm of tomorrow isn’t a vision—it’s unfolding today. Help us map it. Your data lights the way. 

🔗 Take the 2025 Census now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78MJ6Y5