Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Release Date: Each May
Professional Accreditation: IEMA (as part of MSc)
Lead Organisation: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
Learn about the latest advances in the field of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and how to develop controlled growing systems
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a technology-based approach to food production, allowing growers/food producers and agri-tech businesses to optimise growing conditions and resource usage. CEA has the potential to increase business resilience and food security in the face of factors such as climate change and land availability. This module introduces students to the latest advances in this rapidly developing area of agriculture, highlighting the benefits of a range of controlled environments and their potential for improved products and food security.
Many thanks to our contributors -
- Intelligent Growth Solutions (https://www.intelligentgrowth.io/)
- Stockbridge Technology Centre (https://www.stockbridgetechnology.co.uk/)
- Henry Gordon Smith @ Agritecture (https://www.agritecture.com/)
- Jones’ Food Company (https://www.jonesfoodcompany.co.uk/)
Content
The course will consist of a series of lectures and guided learning focused on:
List of Units
| Introduction | The reasons for and potential benefits of CEA |
|---|---|
| Technologies and Terms | An overview of technologies and a glossary of terms used in CEA |
| Plant Biology and CEA | Molecular biology (Biochemical processes – molecular and cellular); Physiology (Biological functions) |
| Stressing Plants | Control of environmental stress and implications for human nutrition |
| CEA Practice | Horticultural/agronomic processes/practices applied to CEA systems |
| Biosecurity | Pests, pathogens, diseases and controls in CEA systems |
| Business Opportunities | Farm diversification, urban growing and hybrid systems |
| Circular Economy Solutions | Co-location with industry for resource use and energy efficiency, e.g. heat, nutrients |
Tutors
| Tutors Name |
|---|
| Dr Sarah Watson-Jones |
| Dr William Stiles |
| Dr Peter Wootton-Beard |
Testimonials
What I have learnt will help with the hydroponics unit that we will receive from Tech Tyfu next spring and I hope we will be able to learn from our practical experience. We also hope that we will be able to encourage other farmers to investigate CEA as an addition to their farming operation and also encourage more people to take part in further studies in their adult life.
It has changed how my business operates and has led me to some further reading and experimentation. I learnt so much about CEA that I think it could be a stand alone degree. I would love to dig further into every aspect more thoroughly.