2026 CEAg World Impact Awards Open for Nominations
June 25, 2026 
CEAg World has opened the nomination process for its 2026 CEAg World Impact Awards to recognize individuals advancing food grown under cover.
“The innovation happening in the CEA industry is really exciting, and it’s driven by smart, dedicated professionals eager to contribute to this critical piece of the food production chain,” says Kristin D. Zeit, content lead for CEAg World. “We want to honor the individuals behind the projects and research that are propelling a healthier future through protected agriculture.”
These annual awards recognize CEA trailblazers who are driving the future of protected agriculture forward.
Three awards will be presented this year:
- Leadership Award (honoring excellence in commercial CEA leadership)
Recognizing a grower, founder, or operational leader whose vision, leadership, and accomplishments have advanced both their organization and the controlled environment agriculture industry. This award honors an individual who has successfully implemented technologies, production practices, business strategies, or sustainability initiatives that have resulted in measurable gains in productivity, resource efficiency, profitability, or market growth. The recipient exemplifies excellence in commercial CEA and serves as a model for leadership, innovation, and industry stewardship.
- Emerging Leader Award (spotlighting the future of CEA)
Recognizing a rising talent in controlled environment agriculture who demonstrates exceptional promise through leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the industry. This award honors an individual who is driving meaningful change through new ideas, strategic thinking, technical expertise, or community engagement. The recipient is helping shape the future of CEA while demonstrating professionalism, passion, and initiative.
- Industry Advancement Award (recognizing those who expand knowledge and strengthen the industry)
Recognizing an individual whose research, education, extension, outreach, or knowledge-sharing efforts have significantly advanced controlled environment agriculture. This award honors a leader who fosters collaboration, generates practical insights, and helps translate knowledge into real-world impact for growers and industry stakeholders. Eligible nominees may include researchers, educators, extension specialists, graduate students, and other professionals whose work strengthens CEA productivity, sustainability, and long-term success.
Nominations for the Impact Awards will be open June 24 through August 7. Finalists in each of the categories will be selected and announced in September.
Winners in each category will receive the following recognition:
- Free registration to attend the CEAg World Conference and Expo, Nov. 10–11 in Charlotte — Concord, N.C.
- A two-night hotel stay covered by CEAg World.
- Live, on-stage award and recognition during the event’s opening ceremony.
- A spotlight interview on CEAg Talks, CEAg World’s video series on food production under cover.
- Exclusive editorial coverage across CEAg World media, including digital coverage, newsletter, and social media spotlights.
To sign up for information or to nominate a CEA professional, please visit CEAgWorld.com/impact.