Key Takeaways:
- Ohio State University has opened its Controlled Environment Agriculture Complex (CEARC), with support from companies like Nationwide Insurance, Current, Priva, and General Hydroponics.
- The CEARC is a 48,989-square-foot facility dedicated to interdisciplinary research in agriculture, engineering, food science, and more.
- LED lighting for the facility was provided by Current, with design and planning from Hort Americas.
- The facility will focus on advancing research in nutrient density, flavor optimization, pest control, and the human health impacts of enhanced nutrition.
Collaborative Industry and Academic Effort
Ohio State University’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Complex (CEARC) officially opened on September 30, marking the culmination of collaborative efforts between the university and key industry players. Companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Priva, General Hydroponics, and Current (formerly GE Current) contributed through donations of funds and technology to support this cutting-edge facility.
The CEARC, which spans nearly 49,000 square feet, is designed as a research hub that brings together disciplines such as horticulture, engineering, entomology, food science, computer science, and nutrition. The research conducted at the facility will explore innovative approaches to controlled-environment agriculture, including improvements in crop quality and pest management.
Industry Contributions to CEARC’s Success
One of the significant contributions to the CEARC came from Current, which provided state-of-the-art LED grow lighting for four research chambers. These chambers will be used to cultivate vine crops, berries, and leafy greens. Hort Americas played a crucial role in designing and planning the lighting layout to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Chris Higgins, president and co-founder of Hort Americas, highlighted the importance of the CEARC for both the industry and workforce development. “This is an important project for the industry because of the cutting-edge research, teaching, and job training that will be conducted at this facility,” Higgins said. He noted that the CEARC offers a unique opportunity to prepare students for careers in the commercial horticulture industry.
Advancing Agricultural Research
Research at the CEARC will cover a broad range of topics aimed at advancing agricultural practices and improving food quality. Key areas of focus include increasing the nutrient density and flavor of vegetables and fruits, optimizing harvesting techniques, and developing more effective methods for pest control. Additionally, clinical studies will be conducted to assess how enhanced nutritional content impacts human health.
The facility’s research will contribute to solving real-world challenges in agriculture while also providing valuable insights for growers and producers.
Recognition and Dedication
In recognition of Current’s contribution to the CEARC, the facility’s lobby has been named the Arize Lobby, after Current’s renowned LED lighting brand. The LED lighting technology provided by Current will play a central role in the facility’s research, supporting the growth of high-quality crops in controlled environments.
The CEARC represents a new chapter in agricultural research and education at Ohio State University, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to push the boundaries of controlled-environment agriculture.
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