b"by focusing on consumer-focused traits.There are only a certain number of traits we can focus on for a particu-lar seed varietal. So, for example, in a controlled environment, we dont need to use one of those trait slots on wind tolerance, which means we can now think more about crunch or flavor or color, Nothmann says. This helps indoor growers stand out, and in turn, earn a premium place in the market.We can concentrate on phytochemi-cals and create those designer plants with special colors or specific nutrient values. Were going to see that more and more from these indoor farms, Stein says.In the summer of 2022, Seedway LLC, partnered with Sakata Seed AmericaViraj Puri serves as the CEO and co-founder of Gotham Greens, an organization founded in to form a new Controlled EnvironmentNew York City. Agriculture department. Frank Pennington, northern vegetable seed sales manager for Seedway, demand for indoor-specific seed will continue to grow. Seedways goal is to be able to pro-vide the needed species and varieties that will perform well for our growers and help to make them profitable for many years to come, Pennington says.CEA sales representative and trial coordinator Evelyn Zaleski is working on developing a trialing plan for grow-ers while working with seed suppliers to introduce new products in several dif-ferent species including lettuce, greens, tomatoes, peppers and most-recently, cucumbers.As this is still an emerging industry inEric Stein is the executive director of theDavid Nothmann serves as chief operating the U.S., Pennington says many growersCenter of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture. officer of Unfold.are working to understand the need for developing new varieties. There have been challenges as citiessystem and acts as a force for positive The technology and products areoften have to change zoning laws andchange in communities nationally.being developed by seed suppliers cur- other policies to accommodate moreI am thrilled that this is a priority for rently to make sure that grower needsfacilities. When we first started, it was akey decision makers and hope to be able are being taken care of for the future.big lift to get the proper zoning approv- to help shape the future of indoor farming The growers are moving forward withals, but as more indoor farming opera- in our country, Puri says. new technology and the ability to controltions have popped up, weve seen moreA September 2022 ruling from the many steps of the growing process oncities adapt and welcome them as a moreU.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allows these crops in these facilities, Penningtonsustainable food source, Puri says. the USDA to grant organic certification says. There are also national regulationsto hydroponic crops, something that has to consider. Puri currently serves onbeen debated since the program began.Government Regulations the USDA's inaugural Federal AdvisoryThis organic labeling is huge, because Governments and municipalities are alsoCommittee for Urban and Innovativeits a very effective way to get that higher working to understand the unique needsAgriculture, which aims to addressprice point. Consumers will pay those and benefits of indoor agriculture.pressing challenges facing the U.S. foodhigher prices, and the indoor growers can FEBRUARY 2023 SEEDWORLD.COM /41"