Awards
Indoor Ag Center "Best in Class" AwardsAbout the Awards
Our vision is to accelerate the growth of the indoor farming industry. We believe we can do that by recognizing excellence. Consequently, we have embarked upon an ambitious program to collect bench-marking data on indoor farm operations and equipment used to run vertical farms and greenhouses. Each year we will review the data and publicly recognize key stakeholders for their excellence in several categories.
Who Can Enter
We encourage all types of indoor farmers growing food to participate:
- Indoor vertical farms
- Plant factories
- Greenhouses
Equipment manufacturers are also invited, including:
- Grow system solution manufacturers
- Lighting companies
There are different surveys for growers and manufacturers. Companies that score the highest in each category will be nominated for an “Indoor Ag Center Best in Class Award” (TM). Areas for bench-marking are provided below.
Deadline for Submissions:
- Manufacturers: February 1, 2021 (sorry passed deadline)
- Growers: FINAL EXTENSION! March 20, 2021
Note: As long as you have started an application by the deadline we will give you 1-2 weeks time to finalize.
Submission Fee: No fee
Confidentiality: All responses are considered voluntary and confidential as outlined in our Survey Informed Consent form.
Take Survey for Indoor Growers
The survey for growers is designed to collect data on indoor farm operations for a particular cultivar and facility. Multiple entries are permitted by larger companies that produce several cultivars at one or more facilities. We recommend assembling the necessary data beforehand regarding inputs (e.g., energy, water, light, nutrients, labor, etc.) and outputs (e.g., yields, solid waste, etc.).
Please register to be taken to the online survey web site. You may also return to the survey from this page.
Last Extension of Deadline: March 20, 2021
Take Survey for Equipment Manufacturers
The survey for equipment manufacturers is designed to collect data on indoor farm equipment including lighting systems and grow systems. Companies that offer both grow systems and lighting will be considered in each category. We recommend assembling the necessary data beforehand regarding inputs (e.g., energy, water, light, labor, etc.), outputs (e.g., yields) and technical data (e.g., lighting specs).
Please register to be taken to the online survey web site. You may also return to the survey from this page.
Deadline: February 1, 2021 (sorry…past deadline)
“Best in Class” Benchmark Categories
Criteria for Growers
Growers are evaluated according to the following categories
Effective Use of Space
Effective Use of Water
Effective Use of Energy
Effective Use of Labor
Most Job Creation
Highest Yields
Least Waste
Best Overall Grower
Criteria for Manufacturers
Indoor farm equipment manufacturers are evaluated according to the following categories