CEA Grad Works at America's First Indoor Wasabi Farm

Benjamin Manogura, a May 2025 Northern Michigan University controlled environment agriculture (CEA) alumnus, has embarked on a new and unique position in his career. He is a research and development specialist and cultivator for Cai Foods in New Buffalo, Mich., which operates America's first indoor wasabi farm.

Manogura is responsible for research and hands-on cultivation within Cai Foods' controlled-environment wasabi production facility. He monitors plant health, conducts trials on nutrient formulations and pest management strategies, and collects data on growth performance. He also oversees daily cultivation tasks and works to support facility improvements and biosecurity initiatives to enhance production efficiency and long-term crop success.

Manogura gives major credit to his CEA education for preparing him to work in indoor agriculture environments. He also thanks his former professors at NMU for inspiring his passion for controlled environment agriculture and encouraging him to take on this role in his career.

"[Professor Kari Farkas's] passion for teaching CEA has inspired me to do the things I'm doing," Manogura explained. "Her interest in her students and their goals and how she can help them attain them is unmatched. Her support for her students, including myself, has allowed me to believe in myself and my education."

He said Cai Foods aims to cultivate authentic wasabi free of food dyes, chemicals and unnecessary additives. By partnering with award-winning wasabi farms in Japan, the company is able to grow genuine, fresh wasabi year-round at twice the usual speed and at a lower cost for consumers across the United States, Manogura added.

The Skokie, Ill. native advises current NMU students to take full advantage of every opportunity to learn by doing-whether it's through an internship, campus job, research project, or getting involved in something outside of their comfort zones.

"Real growth happens when you challenge yourself and apply what you're learning in real situations," he added. "Build relationships with your professors, classmates and local professionals. Networking and showing genuine interest can open doors you didn't even know existed. Don't underestimate how far consistency and curiosity can take you - employers notice people who care about their work. Finally, stay adaptable. The world changes fast, and the ability to learn new skills, communicate effectively and think critically will serve you far beyond any one career path."

Launched in 2020, the controlled environment agriculture program at NMU provides a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for students interested in the rapidly expanding field. The program offers multiple different educational opportunities, including a Bachelor of Science in controlled environment agriculture, an Associate of Applied Science in indoor agriculture, and an academic minor in indoor agriculture.

Students in the CEA program have access to state-of-the-art vertical farming systems and hydroponic set-ups where they gain valuable experience in crop cultivation, plant nutrition, pest management, environmental control systems, and automation technologies. The program also offers an opportunity for students to design and construct their own working growth systems, providing them with essential agricultural experience prior to entering their careers.

Learn more at nmu.edu/tos/controlled-environment-agriculture.