Key Takeaways:
- Kaylee South is Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech, based at the CEA Innovation Center in Danville, Virginia.
- Her background includes greenhouse-based research on beneficial bacteria for crop protection and growth, with an emphasis on real-world application.
- South emphasizes the importance of clearly defining Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for education and outreach purposes.
- Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) co-lead the CEA Summit East, a growing regional event focused on academic-industry collaboration.
- South encourages industry professionals to engage with academia to inform training programs and research priorities.
Dr. Kaylee South: Building the Future of CEA from Research to the Classroom
Dr. Kaylee South, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech, joined the Vertical Farming Podcast to discuss her path from rural Georgia to leading research and outreach initiatives in Virginia’s growing indoor agriculture ecosystem.
“My role is part research, part extension,” said South. “I work on both applied and foundational science, while also helping train the next generation of horticulturists and plant scientists.”
South is based in Danville at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, a joint effort between Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), established in 2019 to foster CEA-related innovation and education.
From Ornamentals to Food Crops
South’s academic journey began with floriculture research at Ohio State University, where she studied how beneficial bacteria can improve plant resistance to pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, a common greenhouse disease. “We were investigating bacteria not just for pathogen control, but also for promoting plant growth under low-fertility conditions,” she explained.
That early focus has since evolved into work supporting indoor vegetable, herb, and small fruit production—often with an eye on translating lab insights into field-ready practices. “Now I’m focused on how we can apply that knowledge directly in vertical farms and greenhouses,” she said.
Clarifying CEA and Connecting with Growers
A key part of South’s extension work is demystifying terms like “CEA” for growers unfamiliar with industry language. “I always start with definitions. CEA spans a wide range of systems—from high tunnels to vertical farms—and growers often don’t realize they’re already part of this sector,” she said.
Her public presentations emphasize system types (hydroponics, substrates), facility types (greenhouses, vertical farms), and crops—from lettuce to niche products like saffron. “Clarity empowers producers to access resources and engage more fully with the community,” she added.
South also leads a statewide survey to assess Virginia’s CEA training and education needs, aiming to guide program development and share best practices across institutions.
CEA Summit East: Virginia’s Regional Hub
South plays a central role in organizing CEA Summit East, an annual event held in Danville in partnership with Indoor Ag-Con. The summit blends grower panels, academic presentations, tabletop exhibits, and one-on-one networking opportunities.
“It’s a more intimate event than larger conferences,” said South. “We bring together industry, educators, researchers, and policymakers to talk about what’s happening now—and what’s next.”
The next edition takes place October 1–2, 2025, at IALR in Danville.
Virginia’s State-Level Support
South acknowledged the visibility and momentum created by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s formal recognition of CEA Month in 2023. “His visit to our center was a big moment,” she said. “It helped elevate CEA in policy discussions, especially around regulation and consumer education.”
A Call for Collaboration
With both student training and industry-facing work as part of her mandate, South encouraged company leaders to share real-world challenges with researchers and educators. “We want to know what’s working—and what isn’t. That feedback directly shapes how we train students and set research priorities.”
For South, the long-term goal is clear: “It’s not about replacing traditional agriculture. It’s about creating smart solutions where CEA makes sense—especially in education, urban redevelopment, and food system resilience.”
