May 22, 2025
The future of farming depends not just on technology, but on the people who operate it. As the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry expands globally, the need for skilled professionals, who understand the science, systems, automations, challenges and economics of growing in climate-controlled spaces, has never been greater.
To address this urgent workforce gap, Cornell University’s GLASE Consortium is launching CEA Works,
CEA Works is a a groundbreaking online training platform designed to upskill growers, operators, and entrepreneurs in the CEA space. Backed by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and developed in collaboration with Cornell University, SUNY Broome, The Ohio State University, and Agritecture, this new program opens for enrollment on June 1, 2025.
What is CEA Works?
CEA Works is a self-paced, online educational program that offers technical certification and practical knowledge for roles like:
- Assistant Growers
- Head Growers
- CEA Farm Operations Managers
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, participants can take courses on their own schedule and gain access for three months after purchase. Courses include video lectures, interactive knowledge checks, and downloadable resources, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned professionals looking to level up their skill set.
And here's the bonus: members of the GLASE Industry Advisory Board get free access to the entire CEA Works curriculum and GLASE Library. (To learn more about becoming a member, contact: mjd378@cornell.edu).
A Business Class from Agritecture
As part of the CEA Works curriculum, Agritecture brings its industry-leading expertise with the course: CEA Business Planning 101, taught by Yara Nagi and Jeffrey Landau. This class provides a practical framework for evaluating CEA ventures from a business perspective. From budgeting and cost modeling to strategic planning for profitability and sustainability, the course is ideal for growers looking to make smarter financial decisions—or startups seeking to build investor-ready models. At just $60, it's an accessible and impactful way to build confidence in the business side of controlled environment farming.
The Science-Driven Courses Backed by Experts
Alongside Agritecture's business class, three additional science-focused courses are being offered this summer:
🌿 Overview of Crop Production in CEA
Taught by Dr. Neil Mattson (Cornell University)
This foundational course introduces different types of CEA systems, explores best practices for key crops like leafy greens and tomatoes, and highlights automation innovations shaping modern production.
🌱 Root Zone Management
Taught by Dr. Uttara Samarakoon (The Ohio State University)
Learn how to optimize plant nutrition, substrates, and irrigation strategies to promote root health and maximize yields—essential knowledge for anyone managing production operations.
☀️ Plant Physiology of CEA Crops
Taught by Dr. Chieri Kubota (The Ohio State University)
Explore how environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity influence plant performance, stress tolerance, and product quality.
Why It Matters
The launch of CEA Works marks a major milestone in equipping the next generation of growers, operators, and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to lead the future of sustainable food production. In an era defined by climate volatility, labor shortages, and supply chain challenges, investing in workforce development is not optional—it’s essential.
As Dr. Neil Mattson, GLASE Principal Investigator, puts it:
“By bridging real-world industry needs with technical knowledge, CEA Works will help prepare today’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities in sustainable food production.”
Whether you're managing a greenhouse, scaling a vertical farm, or just entering the world of controlled environment agriculture, CEA Works offers a direct path to hands-on, industry-approved education.
🎓 Ready to grow your career in CEA?
Visit the official course page to enroll or sign up for launch notifications.
