"Fertile Land was established to help guide investors and growers in Greece towards more sustainable and efficient farming practices," Andreas said, noting the need for improving the sector in his country. His company focuses on the use of fertigation, integrated pest management (IPM), and hydroponic systems to improve crop yields and reduce the environmental impact of farming. "Our ultimate goal is to offer practical solutions for those wanting to invest in modern agricultural infrastructure but unsure where to start."
Photo right: Andreas Lypas
Andreas Lypas, the founder of Fertile Land, a greenhouse consultancy based in Greece, shared further insights into the agricultural sector in his home country.
A fourth-generation grower, he has spent years developing his skills in horticulture and greenhouse management, both in Greece and abroad. His company, Fertile Land, specializes in providing sustainable solutions and guidance for horticultural projects, with a focus on high-tech greenhouses and hydroponics.
From Greece to the UK and back again
Andreas' journey in agriculture began in Greece, where he earned his degree from the University of Thessaly. Eager to expand his knowledge and experience, he moved to the UK, working in the soft fruit industry, particularly strawberries. He spent over six years working in Scotland for a big soft fruit company, and in West Essex, where he gained practical experience in propagation, farm management, and greenhouse operations. His experience in the UK helped him obtain a deeper understanding of how colder climates could be used to produce high-quality fruits like strawberries.
"I was really fascinated by how such a cold climate could produce quality strawberries and other soft fruits," Andreas explains. "It gave me a new perspective on how we can apply these techniques in Greece."
After returning to Greece, he worked in consulting, focusing on high-tech lettuce production. "I helped a team double the output of a lettuce farm by optimizing their infrastructure and operations," Andreas shares. This success inspired him to found Fertile Land.
Fertile Land: A new direction
"The name of my company says it all—Fertile Land is about helping people sustainably increase their yields," says Andreas. "We work closely with investors to design and implement efficient greenhouse systems that meet both environmental and economic goals."
Fertile Land makes sure they are empowered to guide investors through the complexities of Greece's horticultural sector. "We continuously collaborate with international companies, particularly those from the Netherlands, known for their advanced greenhouse technology, to create optimal growing environments for crops around here," he explained. "We also provide feasibility studies, greenhouse designs, and ongoing support throughout the entire process, which is necessary so that investors receive a higher return on investment (ROI) from the first year already," he adds.
A growing industry
Andreas is optimistic about the future of Greece's agricultural market. "Our government recently announced a €600 million investment into the horticulture sector, which will focus on the development of high-tech greenhouses and hydroponic systems," he says excitedly.
With the demand for tomatoes, strawberries, and other produce growing both domestically and internationally, he is optimistic that the investments will be used well.
"The potential here is huge," Andreas says. "The government's recent announcement is a good sign, and it shows how important the horticulture sector is to the country's future."
Fertile Land specializes in hydroponic farming methods for strawberries, tomatoes, and lettuce—crops that are in high demand. "These modern farming methods can help our country reduce its reliance on imported produce, especially in light of climate change, which has made growing in traditional greenhouses increasingly difficult," he shares. Rising summer temperatures and energy costs are major challenges for Greek growers, but advanced technologies offer practical solutions.
"Climate change is making it harder to cool down low-tech greenhouses during the hot summer months," Andreas explains. "With advanced greenhouse designs and automation, we can better control the environment and mitigate the impact of high temperatures and energy costs."
Renovation vs. new structures
When it comes to developing new agricultural projects, Andreas faces a common dilemma: should investors renovate existing low-tech structures, or build new, high-tech greenhouses from scratch? While renovation is an option, he is clear about the challenges it entails, particularly in terms of upgrading old infrastructure to meet modern standards.
"We always give investors a clear picture of the pros and cons of renovating existing greenhouses," Andreas says. "Renovating is possible, but it comes with challenges, especially when it comes to automation and efficiency. Starting from scratch allows us to build something optimized for the specific needs of the investor from the design already."
While his company focuses on consulting, his background in growing means deep insight into plant care. "I often lead crop walks and supervise the maintenance of hydroponic systems, ensuring that every element of the greenhouse is functioning at its best," Andreas explains.
"We provide hands-on support throughout the entire process, from design to maintenance," he says. "We're not just consultants; we're partners in the growth journey."
Stories of success
Andreas is proud of the success stories that Fertile Land has already achieved. "We had a project with a grower in Thiva, located near Athens. The investor faced big challenges with tomato production, but after bringing us in, they were able to increase yields to 300 tons per hectare, while improving the quality of the crop, enabling year-round production, and reducing energy costs," Andreas says.
"This is why our company exists," Andreas says. "We love taking on challenges that others might shy away from. It's rewarding to see the difference our expertise makes."
Looking ahead, the company is also focused on developing more training opportunities for workers in the sector, helping to address the skills gap in Greece's agricultural labor force. "We're committed to improving the entire agricultural ecosystem, from the investors to the workers on the ground," Andreas concludes.
For more information:
Fertile Land Ltd
Andreas Lypas, founder
+44(0)7438194307
71-75 Shelton Street, London
[email protected]
[email protected]