Researchers Explore New Ways to Boost CEA Strawberry Production
January 14, 2026 
Long rows of ripening strawberries grown without soil. | Adobe Stock
Funded by the USDA-NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), researchers from West Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife-Dallas, and Mississippi State University are looking into ways to promote strawberry production in the U.S. South-Central region, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
According to Morning AgClips, the project is looking into CEA techniques to extend the growing season in the South-Central regions, as well as ways to grow strawberries during the off-season. Part of the research involved in the project includes “surveying individuals who have knowledge and interest in expanding strawberry production outside of traditional regions and seasons.”
Dr. Nathan Howell, an environmental engineering professor at West Texas A&M University, says that without finding a way to combat the climate in order to grow strawberries during the off-season, retail strawberries prices in the region double or triple compared to sales following the crop’s traditional growing season.
Strawberry producers and CEA growers are encouraged to share their knowledge with the project to advance its research. For those with the knowledge and ability to help, click here to fill out a 25- to 35-minute survey to aid in the advancement of strawberry production in protected environments.
