A Case Study On Virginia's CEA Ecosystem

The growth and potential of controlled environment agriculture in Virginia.

Photo by STEPHEN POORE on Unsplash

Good morning readers, Virginia is rapidly emerging as a go-to location for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) businesses.

Companies like ISO Group, AeroFarms, Plenty, Gotham Greens, and Soli Organic have set up operations or invested heavily in Virginia, creating new jobs and boosting the economy. Virginia offers a business-friendly environment, a skilled and educated workforce, and excellent transport infrastructure. Virginia's largest private industry is the state's agricultural industry, contributing $82.3 billion to the economy and employing 381,800 people.

However, farmland in Virginia is under threat, with only 8.3 million acres remaining compared to 13.5 million acres in 1960. Charitable donations and conservation easements can entitle farmers to significant tax benefits, an essential financial tool for farmers in Virginia, according to various reports.