The controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector has witnessed a phenomenal surge in the past decade, creating a host of exciting career opportunities in vertical farming. This remarkable growth owes its momentum to a blend of factors, including the escalating demand for fresh produce and the evolution of horticultural technology. According to recent market research the global Vertical Farming Market was valued at USD 3.12 Billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 16.77 Billion by 2027.
As we delve into the landscape of career opportunities within the CEA realm, Jobs for Planet shares some insights on the types of roles available.
The growing vertical farming industry has paved the way for job creation in roles such as Horticulturists, Engineers, Scientists, and Operations Managers, to name a few.
In addition, vertical farming industry organisations also have corporate functions such as Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Operations.
There are two factors that fuel the expansion of the CEA industry: market demand and technological advances and innovation.
Market Demand in the Controlled Environment Agriculture industry
Over the last 10 years, a combination of consumer demand for organic produce in the supermarket and restaurant businesses shifting to “farm-to-table” approaches has increased the demand for produce. In addition, consumers are more health conscious with a recent report saying that 37% of those surveyed in the United States factor sustainability into their food selection process. In the UK, the interest rose to 51%.
Such a demand has increased the growth of vertical farming operations globally, with a large increase in the United States in particular.
One key factor to consider is resource efficiency and the energy used in vertical farming. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, an increase in the data about resources used in vertical farming and the increase in efficiencies can help with food system resilience and yield.
Horticultural technology advancements in the Controlled Environment Agricultural industry
Advancements in horticultural technology have made indoor farming more profitable, increasing the number of career opportunities in the CEA sector. LED Lighting for example, offers remarkable energy efficiency. Vertical farms in general, are very efficient in their use of space as crops are grown on shelves with their own LED lights. Because such lights are energy efficient, vertical farm operations are able to increase crop output and density whilst keeping operational costs down.
Jobs in the Controlled Environment Agricultural industry (CEA)
Here are the types of roles that these types of companies hire for:
Corporate Functions:
Human Resources: Responsible for planning, coordination and administrative functions of a CEA company. They could be involved in recruiting, talent development, strategic planning, compensation planning, employee engagement, performance reviews and learning and developing training.
Marketing: Responsible for coming up with strategic marketing plans for an organisation or specific line of business, in order to attract customers and to retain current customers. Involved in both online and offline marketing channels.
Finance: Financial managers use data analysis and advise leadership teams on maximising ideas. They are responsible to ensure financial health and runway of an organisation. They develop plans for long-term financial goals, create financial reports and are involved in strategic projects.
Project Management and Construction Managers: When a CEA company wants to expand, they need individuals that understand planning, logistics, construction and compliance and a variety of regulations. These individuals help with the strategy and execution of building operations to help expand CEA companies expand their production.
Operations:
These types of roles involve working in the vertical farms and buildings and tend to be hands-on, responsible for crop cultivation, food safety, operations and construction management.
Greenhouse Technicians: Responsible for ensuring the best performance of greenhouse plants, including watering and pruning, help with plant propagation, perform general maintenance of the greenhouse and associated equipment, and gather data related to the progress of the various plants and crops at the greenhouse. In some cases, the role could be technical if the company is using additional technologies and data to monitor progress
Mechanical Engineers: They design, install and ensure the proper maintenance of systems that keep the indoor farms working well, which could be HVAC, air filters, Co2 systems, lighting, heating, and water irrigation systems.
Operations Manager: This role is multi-functional and is focussed on operations and organisations of different departments working well together, for example by coordination activities across production, cultivation, sales, marketing and logistics teams.
Head Growers: Growers are responsible for crop production, they have to learn technical specifications for each crop, maintain records of crop activities and observations, Follow growing schedules determined by the production departments and monitor propagation ranges for issues that may arise. They often are also involved in pest management and hydroponic fetilizer strategies.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Managers: These individuals are responsible for food safety adherence and food quality strategy and execution. They are responsible for project management, compliance with policies, training on policies and managing certifications
In summary, Jobs for Planet, a specialised recruiting agency in the vertical farming sector, keenly observes market trends and hiring patterns. With the combination of investment in CEA, and technology assisting organisations to reduce resource-intensive farming, the future of food production looks promising.
Looking for a job in vertical farming or to fill an open vacancy? E-mail us on hello@jobsforplanet.com to help you or set a meeting with us by clicking here
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