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1 [1] (August 31, 2023)

handle is hein.crs/govemry0001 and id is 1 raw text is: CongressionaI Research Serv4 informing Ih rngilativ- deb)at sinc;o 1914 0 August 31, 2023 Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Production The 2018 farm bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334) expanded support for urban agriculture and innovative production methods like indoor and rooftop farming. In a Joint Explanatory Statement, the farm bill conferees acknowledged the potential for urban and innovative production methods to create new market opportunities for agricultural communities, expand access to fresh food in low-income communities, improve availability of fresh products year-round, and help build a new generation of farmers. The 2018 farm bill also expanded some existing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support innovative and emerging crop production methods. These actions have expanded USDA's attention on a range of nonconventional farming practices including Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Congress may consider amendments to these programs as it debates farm bill reauthorization. CEA-Reated Terms and Definitions Innovative and emerging crop production encompasses a variety of cultivation techniques and alternative modes of production compared to that of more traditional outdoor open-field production in a mostly land-based rural environment. Examples of some of the types of innovative and emerging systems include indoor vertical technology operations, outdoor vertical production systems such as rooftop farms and green walls, and high-technology shade or greenhouse production. These types of operations may involve large capital-intensive production systems that grow crops throughout the year as well as smaller-scale community-based operations located in urban, suburban, and peri-urban areas or in urban clusters that grow crops for a mostly local or nearby consumer market. Myriad definitions exist of controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) from various land-grant universities, system developers, and trade organizations. CEA production systems are not defined in statute or regulation. CEA generally refers to the growing of crops and plants in a protected and controlled environment, often indoors and using advanced technologies and intensive growing conditions throughout the year. Common indoor techniques may employ a vertical grow system using a soil-less system such as hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic production systems (text box). CEA may also be soil-based, growing crops in greenhouses, hoop houses, growth chambers, or shade structures as well as the use of mulches, plastic film, nets or row covers to protect field-grown crops. CEA systems are designed to create optimal growing conditions for and maximum productivity of crops and plants, usually in an intensive closed-loop system. Most systems employ artificial lighting and water and ventilation controls to allow for the stable control of environmental factors such as temperature, light (intensity and quality), air movement, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and damage from disease and pest infestations. Some advanced systems are fully automated and employ robotics. Some systems may integrate blockchain with system sensors, for example, to chronologically record and provide more precise crop treatments (e.g., light, fertilizers, systems controls) as well as record steps in the supply chain (e.g., harvest date, packaging, transport). Accordingly, advanced technology- based CEA systems require knowledge of engineering, chemistry, plant science and physiology, horticulture, plant pathology and entomology, and computer systems. CEA systems, however, may be scaled for smaller-sized installations at local community grow operations or schools. Selected CEA Production Systems Hydroponic systems: Growing plants without soil using a water-based nutrient solution. Aeroponic systems: Growing of plants by suspending their roots in the air and regularly misting the roots with a water and nutrient solution. Aquaponic systems: Combines plant growing with fish or aquaculture production using wastewater from the aquatic species to fertilize a connected plant system. Vertical systems: Growing crops in vertically stacked layers on top of each other or in tall towers (rather than horizontal open-field rows). Vertical farming may use soil or soilless techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics. Many have documented the challenges associated with CEA systems. These include typically high initial capital investment and variable costs, high energy demand and any associated carbon emissions, water availability, plant pest and disease challenges, disposal of chemical fertilizer and nutrient waste, and the need for a technically skilled labor force. Others point to the benefits of CEA systems and its potential to supplement traditional open-field farming. Benefits include protection against weather-related grow challenges, more precise targeting of production inputs (water, land, and other natural resources), opportunities for higher yields and overall output (given the efficient use of space and tight planting densities), less weed management, decreased prevalence of some food safety concerns, reduced food loss and waste, and the ability to grow crops year-round often with multiple harvests per year (reducing seasonality and supply variability). Some further highlight possible environmental and societal benefits. These include reduced land use, ability to grow crops on nonarable land (where soil may be unsuitable), reduced use of pesticides and herbicides, less runoff and soil erosion (compared to some open field operations), reduced transportation needs

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