The Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC), in partnership with Wageningen University & Research, hosted the hybrid 2nd Annual CEA Leafy Greens Network Event (CEALGNE) on February 27, 2026.
This full‑day event focused on cutting‑edge practices in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach. The program welcomed 83 in‑person participants at The Ohio State University’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC) at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, along with 72 online attendees.
The event highlighted advancements in greenhouse hydroponic production for leafy greens and offered valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking among researchers, industry professionals, and students. Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative exchanges, the gathering strengthened partnerships and advanced the future of leafy greens production in controlled environment agriculture.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The program began with seven keynote presentations from academia and industry:
Session 1: Keynote Presentations & Discussion on R&D in Academia
- Dr. Erik Runkle (Michigan State University): "Light Environment Optimization for Leafy Greens"
- Dr. Anna Testen (USDA-ARS) & Dr. Soledad Benitez Ponce (The Ohio State University): "Leafy Green Root Health Research Update – Pathogen–Microbial Communities and Pythium Diagnostics"
- Dr. Laura Bautista Jalon (Wageningen University & Research): "Research and Innovation at Wageningen UR"
Session 2: Keynote Presentations & Discussion on Technologies in Industries
- Dr. Ricardo Hernández (Rooted-in-Tech): "How to Manage Heat Stress (Pre-Mature Bolting) by Introducing Value-Added Transplants"
- Dr. Paul Rutten (Concert Bio): "Taking Control of the Microbiome in Hydroponic"
- Paul Brentlinger (CropKing Inc.) & Taylor Smith (Lubing USA): "Automation for Small- to Midscale Leafy Green Operations"
- Sarah Despres (Rijk Zwaan): "Stress: What Is the Root of the Problem?"
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PANELS
In the afternoon, the event featured three panels spotlighting topics relevant and timely to today’s growers and those involved in research and development.
Panel 1: Data‑Driven Management and AI Applications for Leafy Green Production (and Climate Control)
Panelists: Adam Greenburg (IUNU), Brian Stancil (Leaficient), Dominick DiMucci (Haven Greens), Frans‑Peter Dechering (Corvus Drones), Mihnea Paraschiv (Sigrow), and Robin Klamer (Certhon)
Panel 2: Leafy Greens Root Health Management
Panelists: Dr. Anna Testen (USDA‑ARS), Austin Smith (Grodan), Dr. Bart Geraats (BASF | Nunhems), Charlie Guy (LettUs Grow), Dr. Kyle Freedman (Jiffy Group), Dr. Paul Rutten (Concert Bio), Dr. Soledad Benitez Ponce (The Ohio State University), and Dr. Vijay Rapaka (Oasis Grower Solutions)
Panel 3: Light & Climate Management – Glazing, Lighting, and Shading for Leafy Greens
Panelists: Amos Bassi (Signify), Dominick DiMucci (Haven Greens), Dr. Erik Runkle (Michigan State University), Paul Arena (Svensson), Sarah Despres (Rijk Zwaan), and Vic Mirabella (Priva)
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NETWORKING
The day wrapped up with a networking social for in‑person participants, sponsored by BASF | Nunhems (Premium Sponsor), Berger, Enza Zaden, Hortiplan, LettUs Grow, Light4Food, Oasis Grower Solutions, Rijk Zwaan, and Signify.
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