”Growing Tropical Crops Indoors: Lessons and Opportunities for Cacao, Passion Fruit, Rice, and More”

Paul PG Gauthier, PhD
Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, The University of Queensland

Prof. Paul Gauthier is a global leader in vertical farming and climate-smart agriculture. He directs the Australian Indoor Farming Lab, focusing on sustainable indoor cultivation of crops like cacao, rice, and coffee. With extensive experience as an academic and industry consultant, he has developed strategic roadmaps for indoor staple crops and co-founded Kêr Farms. He previously led R&D at Bowery Farming, delivering high-quality, pesticide-free produce. Prof. Gauthier also founded the Princeton Environmental Ideathon, and spearheaded the Australia-Korea Smart Farming Exchange Program. His work spans North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and the Middle East, advancing food security through innovative, sustainable solutions.