The USDA agricultural census offers valuable insights into key agricultural commodities nationwide and by state. However, its data can be difficult to interpret directly. This publication provides a recent historical analysis of significant horticultural crops in Virginia, presenting USDA data in a more accessible, visual format for easier understanding and practical use.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a multidisciplinary and technology-based approach to crop production under targeted environmental conditions to optimize plant growth, quality, and resource efficiency. This article introduces the fundamentals of CEA, including its historical development, common structures, and soilless systems such as hydroponics. It explores key environmental factors managed in CEA, including light, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and CO₂, and highlights the diverse crops grown, from food and ornamentals to medicinal plants. Readers will gain insight into the advantages of CEA, including climate resilience, sustainability, and market opportunities, as well as challenges such as energy demand and high start-up costs. Finally, the article discusses future directions, emphasizing innovation, workforce development, and collaboration to ensure profitability and environmental stewardship in CEA systems.

Microgreens are nutrient-dense, flavorful crops harvested between the sprout and baby green stages and are well-suited for production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems such as indoor vertical farms and greenhouses. This publication outlines key production practices, including environmental management (light, temperature, humidity, CO₂), system and substrate selection, irrigation, fertilization, sanitation, and integrated pest management. It also provides a sowing-to-harvest, market considerations, economic planning for commercial production, and at-home gardening applications. Microgreens offer rapid crop cycles, high nutritional value, and diverse culinary applications, presenting opportunities for profitable production in CEA.