In 2019, a group of indoor leafy greens growers had the foresight to form the CEA Food Safety Coalition. These companies were the first to recognize the need to focus on food safety practices for growing indoor leafy greens. While there had been extensive research and work on field growing practices, indoor growers needed to focus on a very different growing environment. Dr. Jennifer McEntire and I had the pleasure of working with these growers while at the United Fresh Produce Association (now the International Fresh Produce Association).
Fast-forward four years, and food safety is still a paramount focus of these controlled environment agriculture (CEA) companies. But as the CEA sector has grown, so too has the original coalition. In 2022, the coalition became the CEA Alliance, adding multiple workflows and new produce commodities to the group. I am privileged to help these companies grow into a fully formed trade association supporting the CEA sector growing fresh fruits and vegetables.