Finalists Announced for 2026 CEAg World Impact Awards
September 24, 2026 
The CEAg World Impact Awards logo.
CEAg World has selected the finalists for its second annual CEAg World Impact Awards, sponsored by ExxonMobil.
The awards represent a benchmark for innovation in CEA, recognizing individuals driving real progress through contributions to the development and growth of food production in protected environments. After gathering nominations from industry professionals and scanning the CEA landscape for worthy candidates across various sectors, the CEAg World editors are thrilled to announce the following finalists in three categories:
Leadership
The Leadership Award recognizes 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.
The finalists:
- Paul Sellew, CEO and founder, Little Leaf Farms
- Paul Brentlinger, president and owner, CropKing
- Theojary Crisantes Jr., COO and co-owner, Wholesum.
Emerging Leader
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes 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.
The finalists:
- Dominick DiMucci, director of cultivation, Haven Greens
- Kellie Walters, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Tennessee
- Tyler Baras, chief science officer and co-founder, Area 2 Farms.
Industry Advancement
The Educator/Researcher Award recognizes 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.
The finalists:
- Paul Gauthier, Ph.D., associate professor of CEA, Penn State University
- Neil Mattson, Ph.D., professor and director of Cornell CEA, Cornell University
- Murat Kacira, Ph.D., professor and director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, University of Arizona.
One winner in each category will be announced and honored live on stage during the opening kickoff to the CEAg World Conference and Expo on Nov. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. Watch the CEAg World website, weekly newsletters, and social media to learn more about each finalist over the coming weeks. Finalists will also be featured in a special section of the upcoming CEAg World Industry Report: Greenhouse Production Guide.
For more information about the CEAg World Conference and Expo or to subscribe to our newsletter and industry reports, go to CEAgWorld.com.