About United Greenhouse Growers Association
United Greenhouse Growers Association is a nonprofit forming to connect greenhouse growers across the U.S., share vetted knowledge, and give growers a stronger voice in research and policy.
Our founding members started UGGA because they saw the same gap from both sides: growers tackling problems alone, and researchers unsure how to help. We're here to close that gap — but we need your help to do it.
Our Mission
We exist to help greenhouse growers connect, share knowledge, and have a stronger voice in research and innovation.
The Problem We're Solving
Greenhouse growers are solving the same problems alone. Research doesn't always reach the farm. Technology is advancing, but support is often missing. And too often, growers are unable to find the right support.
UGGA exists to change that — by bringing us together.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by these core principles
Grower-First
Every decision we make starts with what's best for greenhouse growers and their operations.
Real Solutions
We focus on practical tools and resources that solve actual problems growers face every day.
Peer-Reviewed
Everything we recommend has been tested and approved by growers who've been in your shoes.
We're Just Getting Started
UGGA is a nonprofit in its pilot phase. We're actively inviting growers, researchers, and industry professionals to join and help shape the tools and resources we build together.
Your feedback will directly influence what gets prioritized and how we develop our member dashboard, resource library, and grower network.
Founding Members
Sam Chronert
Production Grower & Program Manager
Sam is a hydroponic grower with deep experience managing all aspects of plant growth in indoor farms. Over five years at Plenty, he led daily operations across multiple production sites, overseeing everything from crop care and environmental controls to system commissioning and yield optimization. With a Master's in Agriculture from Washington State University and a background in biology from Vanderbilt, Sam brings both scientific rigor and practical expertise to greenhouse operations. He helped start the Greenhouse Growers Association to give production growers a stronger voice. Sam knows firsthand how valuable it is to connect with peers who face the same challenges — and he's passionate about creating a space for shared learning, innovation, and grower-driven progress.
Dr. Melanie Yelton
Industry Professional & Researcher
Melanie is a plant scientist and educator with over 25 years of experience advancing sustainable agriculture, plant research, and grower training. She's led plant science and R&D teams at organizations like Plenty and LumiGrow, and holds a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis. Today, she runs Grow Big Consulting, where she helps Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) companies apply scientific insights to real-world production. Her motivation for co-founding the Greenhouse Growers Association is simple: empower growers with better access to plant science and industry knowledge. Melanie believes growers deserve a stronger voice in innovation, policy, and education — and she's committed to bridging that gap.
Neil Coppinger
Greenhouse Technology Advocate
Neil was first exposed to the greenhouse industry while selling horticultural LED lighting systems, which gave him a front-row seat to the innovation — and the challenges — within commercial greenhouse operations. Over the past 14 years, he's worked with growers across North America through roles at companies like Signify, BIOS Lighting, and Heliospectra, helping them implement cutting-edge growing technology. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and currently leads GrowBig Consultants. Through the Greenhouse Growers Association, Neil hopes to support the industry that first sparked his passion — one where technology, food security, and sustainability converge. He believes everyone should have access to fresh, greenhouse-grown produce year-round, no matter where they live, and is driven to help make that a reality.
What We're Building With You
Member Dashboard
Co-designed tools for making decisions on greenhouse improvements, built based on real grower feedback and needs.
Curated Resource Library
Peer-reviewed guides, case studies, and extension bulletins that growers have actually tested and approved.
Grower Network
A way to connect with fellow growers to share questions, answers, and real-world solutions to common challenges.
Stronger Voice
Amplify grower perspectives to researchers, universities, and lobbying groups who need to hear from you.
Help Us Build Something Better
Join our pilot group and help shape a network that's truly built for growers. Whether you are a grower looking for support, a researcher looking for an easier way to communicate with growers, or an industry member looking to collaborate, we have a place for you.
Together, we can solve the fragmentation problem and give greenhouse growers the connected, supportive community they deserve.