CEA Alliance New Leafy Green Guide

Dr. Jake Holley

The CEA Alliance has released the second edition of its Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for Controlled Environment Agriculture, this one focused on leafy greens and herbs. This updated version reflects both the rapid pace of growth in the CEA industry and the increasing demand for clear, practical guidance around food safety in these systems.

As controlled environment production continues to scale, food safety is becoming less of a “check-the-box” exercise and more of a core operational requirement. Standardized guidance like this helps bridge the gap between emerging production methods and established regulatory expectations, particularly for operators navigating audits, certifications and retail partnerships.

This second edition builds on the original guide published in 2023, incorporating updated practices, lessons learned and evolving industry standards. It’s available free at the CEA Alliance website, making it a valuable resource for both new entrants and established growers looking to refine their food safety programs. IG