The winners of the 2021 CEA Awards were announced today. These awards were established to recognize distinguished individuals and organizations in the Controlled Environment Agriculture industry across North America.
The winners were selected by a prestigious, independent awards committee comprised of agriculture professionals from Artemis, Cargill, Fluence by OSRAM, and Schneider Electric. The committee
received over 130 qualified nominations for the awards and selected 11 category winners and 3 honorable mention awards.
“It has been inspiring to see our industry step up through the pandemic and continue innovating in every facet of the value chain. I am privileged to honor the outstanding contributors via the 2021 CEA
Awards,” said Steve Graves, Vice President of Business Development at Fluence by OSRAM and Committee Member.
“All of the winners have had a tremendous impact on our industry this past year. It’s an honor to acknowledge the work of these companies and individuals,” said Allison Kopf, CEO of Artemis and Committee Member.
Top Employer Award
This award honors an employer who has created a great workplace environment.
Winner
AppHarvest
Honorable Mention
NatureSweet
Brand Excellence Award
This award honors a brand that has recently dominated on store shelves.
Winner
Dream Greens by AeroFarms
Health and Safety Award
This award honors a company or individual who has gone above and beyond to create a safe and healthy workplace, as well as safe and healthy products in the wake of COVID-19.
Winner
Sudeshna Nambiar, Lakeside Produce
Sustainability Award
This award honors a company or individual who has focused on operating a sustainable facility.
Winner
Legion of Bloom
Produce Person of the Year
This award honors an induvial who has made an immeasurable impact on the produce industry in the past 12 months.
Winner
Daniel Malechuk, Kalera
Honorable Mention
Hiroki Koga, Oishii
Cannabis Person of the Year
This award honors an individual who has made an immeasurable impact on the cannabis industry in the past 12 months.
Winner
Wanda James, Simply Pure
Innovative New Packaging Award
This award honors innovation in packaging and highlights new packaging concepts that have launched in the past 12 months.
Winner
Mucci Farms
Honorable Mention
Nature Fresh Farms
Innovative New Product Award
This award honors a new product launched in the past 12 months.
Winner
Wendy’s Sandwich Leaves & Salad Blend by Inspired Greens
Disruptor Award
This award honors an individual who has a spirit of innovation and is constantly looking to disrupt the status quo.
Winner
Stephen Ritz, Green Bronx Machine
Rising Star Award
This award honors an individual with < 3 years of experience in the CEA industry.
Winner
Cory Roof, Ogallala Greens
Industry Connector Award
This award honors a consultant or advisor who helps growers make the best decisions possible.
Winner
Agritecture
Artemis