Autogrow and Agritecture Consulting Release 2020 Global CEA Census Report

2020 Global CEA Census Report Shows Continued Positivity Despite COVID-19

AgTech leaders Autogrow and our colleagues at Agritecture Consulting have concluded their 2nd Annual Global CEA Census, focusing on understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations around the world.

2020 Global CEA Census Report

Despite the global pandemic, the CEA Census Report highlighting positive signs of growth. Data captured over an 8-week period show 95% of growers have an optimistic outlook for the next 12 months with all types of operations including greenhouses, shipping containers, tunnel and vertical farms showing profitability.

“The optimism reflects what we have seen across many areas of the industry including increased technology adoption and increased consumer expenditure on fresh produce. And despite the challenges we’re seeing an overwhelming number of new entrants into the market.

What has not changed is the high percentage of new growers, almost 50%, that have no experience in agriculture before starting their business. That lack of experience has an impact on new technology solutions created and the need for more education to be available to support them. It also shows a real desire to make a difference considering their willingness to start during a pandemic.” ~ Autogrow CEO Darryn Keiller

2020 Global CEA Census Report

Respondents from 58 countries shared their views on their farming practices, financials, and the impact of COVID-19. The report also gave insight on three key growth regions around the world – India, the UK and MENA (Middle East & North Africa).

“The results of the 2020 Census confirmed our hypothesis that the UK, India, and MENA regions are the emerging hotspots for CEA, albeit for different reasons. In the UK, Brexit is driving investment towards CEA to combat supply chain risks, while in India rising population and increased premium consumer demand for clean food are driving CEA. In the MENA region, government responses to COVID-19 have accelerated policies and incentives for developing scalable CEA solutions.

All of these regions present great opportunities for the CEA industry to grow and make a meaningful impact on their respective local conditions.” ~ Agritecture Consulting Founder Henry Gordon-Smith

Takeaways from the 2020 Global CEA Census Report

2020 Global CEA Census Report

Other takeaways from the 2020 Census:

CEA businesses showing optimism and resilience despite the COVID hurdles
88% of growers surveyed are below age 50
29% of respondents receive funding from multiple sources

Download the Free 2020 Global CEA Census Report Challenges, Growth & COVID-19

Download the Report, and see the original Media Release from Agritecture Consulting.

Watch Keynote Henry Gordon-Smith of Agritecture at the #VirtualSummit2019 Now

As we wind down our Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2019, don’t miss the excellent Keynote video “The Economics of Vertical Farming” by HENRY GORDON-SMITH, Agritecture Founder and Managing Director, and sustainability strategist now playing at with Free Registration through the end of December, 2020.