Key Takeaways:
- Virginia is actively positioning itself as a leader in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), with over 20 companies operating across the state.
- State-level support includes bipartisan legislative incentives, research investments, and educational pathways focused on indoor farming.
- Secretary Matt Lohr cited economic and logistical advantages, including Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic location and access to major population centers.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin has played a direct role in promoting CEA development as part of Virginia’s economic strategy.
- Industry challenges such as energy costs and capital constraints remain, but public-private collaboration is a key priority.
Matt Lohr on Virginia’s Growing Role in Indoor Farming
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr emphasized the state’s growing role in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) during a conversation on the Vertical Farming Podcast hosted by Harry Duran. Lohr detailed Virginia’s policy commitments, infrastructure advantages, and expanding CEA ecosystem, positioning the state as a top destination for companies in the sector.
“We’ve built a strong foundation and infrastructure for indoor farming,” said Lohr. “This includes incentives, educational partnerships, and an openness to collaborate with companies at all stages.”
Leadership and Legacy of Matt Lohr
Lohr, a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley, described his personal and professional trajectory, rooted in agriculture and public service. Having served in multiple government roles, including as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and as a USDA official, Lohr brings a blend of farming experience and policy expertise to his cabinet-level position.
He noted that Governor Glenn Youngkin has been particularly vocal about CEA, tasking Lohr’s team with making Virginia the world’s leading destination for indoor farming. “The governor leaned in early,” said Lohr, “and that commitment has helped align legislative and agency efforts.”
CEA as an Economic and Educational Opportunity
Virginia’s geographic location—within a two-day drive of 75% of the U.S. population—offers a logistical advantage. Lohr highlighted that the state has enacted tax incentives and created education pathways, including a new bachelor’s degree program in CEA at Virginia Tech, to build a sustainable workforce.
“From middle school programs to advanced research at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, we’re working to develop talent across the board,” Lohr said.
The state has seen major developments, including investments from companies such as AeroFarms. Smaller operations, like Beanstalk in Fairfax County and Babylon Micro-Farms in Charlottesville, reflect the diversity of Virginia’s indoor agriculture sector.
Challenges Ahead
Despite growth, Lohr acknowledged that macroeconomic factors—rising interest rates, venture capital constraints, and high energy costs—pose ongoing risks to CEA expansion. “We’re seeing companies across the country struggle,” he said. “Our role is to provide an environment that supports success, especially in a tight capital market.”
He also addressed the need for federal-level support: “Traditional agriculture benefits from farm bill subsidies, but indoor farms don’t. That needs to change if we want to scale this sector.”
Looking Forward
With planned appearances at industry events like GreenTech Amsterdam, Lohr and his team continue to promote Virginia’s CEA agenda on the national and international stage.
“My message to CEOs and innovators is: look at Virginia,” Lohr said. “We’re building something collaborative, scalable, and future-ready.”
