GLASE launches new Vivid Canopy diversity network at Indoor Ag-Con
“In the growing world of indoor farming, Eden Green Technology and our very own Stacia Lewis are at the heart of innovation. As the excitement builds for Indoor Ag-Con, we're thrilled to announce the launch of GLASE's Vivid Canopy network. Kicking off with an engaging panel led by Women in CEA (WiCEA), the event on March 11th celebrates Stacia's role in shaping Eden Green as a founding company in Vivid Canopy. In a field where diversity and creativity are key, Eden Green and Stacia are helping to lead the charge, bringing fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit to the world of controlled environment agriculture. Join us as we pioneer a new era of inclusivity and innovation!”
Your friends at Eden Green :)
Interactive panel of CEA business leaders to discuss why diversity is critical to success in the 2024 market
Cornell University’s Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) consortium today announced the launch of Vivid Canopy, its new network to celebrate and foster diversity in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. The professional network’s inaugural event kicks off at Indoor Ag-Con on Monday, March 11 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm PT. An interactive panel led by Women in CEA (WiCEA) will feature leaders from Vertical Harvest Farms, Dr. Greenhouse, and Skout Strategy. Participants will engage with panelists and other attendees at roundtable discussions led by Eden Green Technology and Re-Nuble.
Labor and underrepresented communities
Labor is one of the top challenges facing the CEA industry. According to AmericanHort’s 2022 Greenhouse and Nursery Labor and Employment Survey, employers are experiencing a 20% workforce shortage. Producers must change hiring practices to find and retain experienced staff to operate an efficient greenhouse or indoor farm. Diversity is key to this change. Yet, many professionals in the green industry lack ways to connect with individuals with similar or dissimilar lived experiences.
“Vivid Canopy is an opportunity to have an open and honest conversation regarding underrepresented communities in the industry. We want to create a space where connections can be made between people all working toward the same goal: a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone. This is necessary, especially now, as the indoor agriculture industry is growing and expanding. It will take everyone’s voices to reach our collective goal,” states Eden Green grower Stacia Lewis.
Stacia Lewis - Eden Green Grower