WHAT IS G.R.A.C.E?
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA), or the production of food crops in greenhouses and indoor spaces, is expected to increase 5-fold in market size over the next ten years. CEA is often promoted as sustainable and the future of food. However, studies have shown that CEA production in a greenhouse emits more than five times the carbon emissions of the same crop grown in a field. Our team of 18 investigators is conducting research, education, and extension activities aimed at closing this gap. This project is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Systems program.OUR MISSION
Our mission is to decarbonize greenhouse production of fruit and vegetable crops by transforming it strategically, managerially, technologically, and socially. We aim to position it as a viable food production system capable of producing sufficient and nutritious foods within the low-carbon economy. In short, we are reimagining controlled environment agriculture in a low-carbon world.
Goals for the Project
1) Reduce demand for heating and cooling in CEA
2) Improve efficiency of CEA climate control
3) Lower the carbon intensity of resource inputs
4) Shift consumer and producer behavior surrounding CEA products and practices.
