The greenhouse industry in Greece faces a challenge in meeting the demand for high-quality produce, particularly during peak seasons spring and summer. Expanding, however, is not easy, as there's a gap in the industry between growers and investors. Andreas Lypas, the founder of Fertile Land, sheds light on his company's role in connecting Greek growers with investors to advance the greenhouse industry while providing essential consultancy support to improve agricultural yields and ensure the success of investments.
Shortfall
Andreas estimates that Greece has a shortfall of up to 40,000 tons of tomatoes annually, especially in summer when production in Crete is completed and tourist demand peaks. He explains that Crete's greenhouses only produce during the early season. "Due to the very mild winters at Crete, growers, contrarily to others, do not have to heat in winter, which is a competitive advantage in terms of pricing. The lack of cooling, however, means they stop producing after the early season, leading to a gap when tourist demand rises. Turkish exports are rising currently, but we see a demand for locally grown, premium products."
Photo via The Fresher
At the same time, he mentions a strong interest from investors who have the capital but lack the connection to the greenhouse industry and the necessary consulting support to produce effectively. Fertile Land aims to address this gap by providing support to investors and growers alike. "We're not selling or commissioning; we're just providing good, professional advice," he says. With a team based in various locations, including the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, the company has a global perspective but remains focused on elevating the Greek industry. This approach includes leveraging international experience to enhance Greek horticultural practices, ensuring good yields and competitive prices.
To investors, Fertile Land provides feasibility studies, business plans, and ongoing support to ensure a return on investment (ROI) within six to seven years. Andreas emphasizes that Fertile Land is not a seller, but a consulting business dedicated to supporting investors even after the business is established. "We have a big portfolio of success stories," he says, referring to various projects involving tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries, where cultivation support plays an important role, encouraging growers to expand their facilities. "One client with a hectare of land is now expanding by another three hectares due to successful yields."
The Greek greenhouse industry faces several challenges, including the availability and quality of water. In regions like Crete, high salinity in water poses a significant challenge, making hydroponic systems essential. Andreas points out that, in contrast, central Greece enjoys better water quality from wells, which supports more conventional farming methods. Greece offers a favorable climate for greenhouse growing, and there's water available in various regions, thanks to mountainous dam infrastructure."
Tuta absoluta
Another significant challenge Greek growers face is managing tuta absoluta, a pest that can devastate tomato crops. Andreas highlights Fertile Land's protocol to combat tuta infections, emphasizing the importance of combining Integrated Pest Management (IPM), climate control and biostimulants. "It's more than just organizing your crop," he notes. "It's about understanding when to harvest and how to set up for success. We try to train growers to be more business-oriented and organized." In addition to pest management, energy efficiency is crucial in the Greek market. Cooling in the summer and heating in the winter requires innovative solutions. Andreas suggests using solar power and shade screens to manage energy demands effectively. "Knowing your tomato varieties, planning your growth cycle and harvest, and understanding your climate is essential for maintaining quality," he asserts.
For more information:
Fertile Land
[email protected]
www.fertilelandltd.com