New training program to upskill the next gen of growers

Added on 22 May 2025

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New training program to upskill the next gen of growers

Photo Courtesy of Agritecture

The future of farming depends not just on technology, but on the people who operate it. As the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry expands globally, the need for skilled professionals, who understand the science, systems, automations, challenges and economics of growing in climate-controlled spaces, has never been greater.

To address this urgent workforce gap, Cornell University’s GLASE Consortium is launching CEA Works,

CEA Works is a a groundbreaking online training platform designed to upskill growers, operators, and entrepreneurs in the CEA space. Backed by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and developed in collaboration with Cornell University, SUNY Broome, The Ohio State University, and Agritecture, this new program opens for enrollment on June 1, 2025.

What is CEA Works?

CEA Works is a self-paced, online educational program that offers technical certification and practical knowledge for roles like:

Assistant Growers
Head Growers
CEA Farm Operations Managers

The program is designed with flexibility in mind, participants can take courses on their own schedule and gain access for three months after purchase. Courses include video lectures, interactive knowledge checks, and downloadable resources, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned professionals looking to level up their skill set.

And here's the bonus: members of the GLASE Industry Advisory Board get free access to the entire CEA Works curriculum and GLASE Library. (To learn more about becoming a member, contact: mjd378@cornell.edu).

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