North American horticulture industry gathers in Philadelphia for inaugural GreenTech North America

GreenTech North America officially opened today at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, kicking off a two-day event taking place on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24. The event welcomes growers, breeders, technology suppliers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the United States and Canada for two days of innovation, knowledge exchange, and networking focused on the future of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Featuring 110 exhibitors in a completely sold-out exhibition hall, GreenTech North America brings together the horticulture industry to explore the latest technologies, share insights, and foster new partnerships that will drive the future of sustainable and high-tech crop production across North America. 

Day 1 news:

A key highlight of the opening day is the official launch ceremony of GreenTech North America on Wednesday, September 23, featuring distinguished speakers including Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the USA Birgitta Tazelaar, GreenTech Global Director Horticulture Mariska Dreschler, historical reenactor Benjamin Franklin, and host of the day Henry Gordon-Smith. Together, they marked the beginning of a new international platform dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth in the North American horticulture industry.

Leading growers take the stage at the Conference

On the opening day of GreenTech North America, leading growers shared valuable insights on the future of controlled environment agriculture. Paul Sellew (Little Leaf Farms), Abby Prior (Cox Farms) and David Einstandig (Mastronardi) discussed key trends, challenges and opportunities during the session “The State of the CEA Greenhouse Industry in North America.” Later, Octavio Perez (Nature Fresh Farms) shared practical strategies for artificial lighting management to boost greenhouse yields, while Serdar Mizrakci (Element Farms) explored how growers can drive profitable growth in the hydroponic leafy greens sector.Together, these sessions provided attendees with firsthand perspectives from some of North America’s leading greenhouse growers.

Why do growers need to attend?

David Einstandig (Mastronardi Produce): “Don’t get left behind. The future of horticulture is happening now, driven by data, AI, and rapid innovation. GreenTech North America provides a unique platform where the industry can embrace new technologies while preserving the valuable knowledge and experience that have shaped our industry. It is the bridge between where we are today and where we need to be tomorrow.”

Still to come on Day 2:

• Thursday, September 24, 10:40 AM – 11:30 AM: ‘Vertical farming: How to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry’ by Hitoshi Kawashima (Oishii), George Carter (Strategic Coach) and moderated by Ryan Douglas (Ryan Douglas Cultivation) 
• Thursday, September 24, 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM: ‘Hydro Leafy Greens in North America: Designing for Efficiency, Profitability, and Scalable Succes’ by Tim van Hissenhoven (Cultivators), Laura Batista (Wageningen University and Research), Erik Highfield (Haven Greens) and Jenn Frymark (Gotham Greens)
• Thursday, September 24, 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM: ‘Aligning Policy, Capital, and Operations in CEA’ by Michael Roth (Commonwealth), Bob Gunn (Seinergy), Andrew Howell (REG Consulting LLC), Robert Glanville (Ascendant Partners) and moderated by Henry Gordon-Smith (Agritecture). 

Registration

Visitor registration still offers the option to attend both the Conference and the Expo, or the Expo only. More information is available via www.greentech.nl/north-america/registration. 

About GreenTech North America

GreenTech North America is part of the GreenTech portfolio and serves the horticulture industries of the USA and Canada. The goal is to meet the specific needs of growers, breeders, and suppliers. GreenTech North America enables a greater exchange of knowledge, experiences, and success stories of the horticultural industry in this region. The show is organized by RAI Amsterdam and will take place Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Please find more information at https://www.greentech.nl/north-america.