After starting up the first phase of the technological renovation of its greenhouses in El Ejido in 2023, the Almeria-based company Producción Integrada Agrolíder has taken a clear step forward with the construction of a new state-of-the-art greenhouse, which will be ready to start with the planting in the next few weeks.
"This new greenhouse is different to anything we've seen so far in Almeria. Even technicians from Portugal who have come specifically to visit the construction have told us that they have never seen anything like it," said Juanmi and Montse, the company's owners. "The structure, which took around a year to complete, stands out not only for its design, but also for its technological innovation and energy efficiency, with cutting-edge technology adapted to Almeria's climate."
"The greenhouse has a ridge height of 11.5 meters, higher than usual for Almeria. This results in a significantly greater interior volume, which makes it easier to maintain good aeration and temperatures. It is 16 meters wide, which is a milestone right now in Almeria. This structure has been designed to allow it to resist wind and hail, because we know that if you save on reinforcement, you can pay dearly for it later," says Juanmi.
"In terms of innovations with respect to the high-tech greenhouse that we implemented in the first phase of renovation, in this second phase we have decided to replace the double plastic walls with single plastic with a double shading and energy-saving screen. We have also improved lateral energy savings with the implementation of double strip closures," he says.
"In terms of ventilation systems, we have gone a step beyond the phase 1 technology with the installation of vertical fans with jet systems, which push the air inside the greenhouse not only to different areas, but also to different heights," he says.
The inside of the greenhouse is fully equipped with sensor systems to control the crop's growing conditions, says Juanmi. "We have drainage and river water collection systems to make the most efficient use possible of water, with state-of-the-art fertigation and water treatment systems to optimize the crop's inputs and manage water use correctly. In fact, such technology is new for Almeria."
Juanmi, who is passionate about technology, is enthusiastically leading this project together with his wife Montse, putting into practice all the R&D developed over several decades as a professional greenhouse grower in El Ejido.
"Of course, the construction of a new greenhouse with high-end technology is a big investment, especially after the rise in the cost of materials after the pandemic," says Montse, "In our case, we are counting on the contribution of Next Generation funds, but it's also clear to us that, thanks to this step, we will be able to grow and generate income all year round."
Greenhouse before renovation.
New greenhouse, in the construction phase, next to traditional greenhouses in El Ejido.
The company, specialized in growing Almeria-type cucumbers, as well as Palermo peppers, will, in fact, continue to grow its flagship product.
"There are crops that have their cycles and cannot be produced for many months of the year, but with Almeria-type cucumbers, it is possible to have a continuous and very high quality production all year round using this technology. This ensures greater profitability, as shown by the company's results with the high-tech greenhouse built in the first phase. We have managed to increase our turnover despite the fact that we had 5 fewer hectares, which were under construction with this second phase."
"Seeing the greenhouse completed is a dream come true. In just two weeks we will start planting the cucumbers that will mark the start of this new stage for Producción Integrada Agrolíder and Romenatur, which we know will be very exciting."
For more information:
Producción Integrada Agrolíder
Paraje la cumbre s/n
04700 El Ejido, Almería. Spain
Tel.: +34 645 765 095 / +34 645 769 977