UC Davis Launches Online CEA Program
April 26, 2024 Earlier this month, UC Davis launched its first online CEA program in partnership with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. The course provides a virtual, interactive way to master the scientific and practical aspects of indoor farming.
The program is specifically designed for professionals who work in or adjacent to the CEA industry. This includes farming operations managers, horticulturists, food safety specialists, environmental control technicians, recent graduates and people looking to invest in CEA.
Taught by academics and established CEA professionals, the program covers the business factors needed to run an indoor farm.
Dr. Jennifer Greenier
“Our lead instructors are featuring either co-instructors or guest presenters directly from the industry,” says Dr. Jennifer Greenier, Manager of the Clinical and Translational Science Center at UC Davis. “They are going to provide presentations and examples of all of the concepts that will be covered in this curriculum and how to apply them in an indoor growing environment.”
People who enroll in the program will learn how to evaluate CEA business models and successfully sustain their own operations. Using insights from experts in the industry, the course will teach both current and aspiring growers how to make informed business decisions in CEA.
“I think this course is important for growers because they can consider all things that go into developing a business plan in CEA,” says Greenier. “We cover everything from plant production, choosing the right plants, choosing the right environmental control systems to postproduction and marketing.”
Broken into four modules, the program provides a structured path to developing and running an efficient CEA operation. These modules are: Introduction to CEA, Plant Production in Indoor Farming, Post-Harvest Processes and Data-Driven Growing.
Penny McBride
“This course is really unique compared to the other platforms you might find out there right now because you can get real-world experience and real-world advice by taking it,” says Penny McBride, an established CEA strategist and contractor to UC Davis for this effort. McBride is also a CEAg World Advisory Board member.
While the course is conducted entirely online, it still offers opportunities for students to engage through live panel discussions, in addition to the recorded lectures that are available to watch at any time. And if questions come up outside of “classroom hours,” instructors are available to take questions via email and other online platforms.
UC Davis has aimed to make the program accessible to prospective students with its one-year duration and $6,000 registration fee. To learn more about the program and claim a spot this summer, click here. The first course begins on July 1.