"Moroccan growers are now ready to transition to upgraded greenhouses"

Moroccan horticulture has long relied on Canarian greenhouses or sheds, in their most basic form, thanks to a desirable climate that has made these shelters sufficient for achieving high yields. This is also due to the budgetary limitations of the Moroccan agricultural model, which is based on price competitiveness. However, "growers are now ready to transition to upgraded green houses, and we see a dynamic demand on mid-tech and hi-tech greenhouses", asserts Ferdaous El Barnossi, from equipment manufacturer Smidcom.

The summer of 2023 was a memorable one for Moroccan growers, particularly those in the Souss Massa region. For the first time, Morocco recorded record temperatures of over 50 degrees. The heatwave lasted three days, right in the middle of preparations for the campaign launch, and the greenhouses were unable to withstand it, resulting in the loss of many tomato plantations and other produce. It took over a month for the growers to recover and relaunch the campaign.

El Barnoussi describes a changing climatic and economic environment, necessitating the upgrading of greenhouses: "In the current context of climate change, warming weather and pressure on water resources, investment in hi-tech or mid-tech greenhouses is becoming a necessity justified by several outcomes: optimizing water and energy consumption, improving the quality and regularity of production, and meeting international standards, essential for export. The economic model of Moroccan agriculture also justifies it, as it becomes increasingly based on the valorization of high-value-added agriculture. The projects supported by the SMIDCOM Group show a rapid return on investment, especially in export-oriented sectors."

According to El Barnossi, demand for mid-tech and hi-tech greenhouses is already growing steadily in Morocco. She shares, "We are witnessing a dynamic transition towards more suitable greenhouses in various regions and products. In Souss-Massa, the stronghold of greenhouse tomatoes and high-value vegetable crops; Loukkos and Gharb, strategic zones for soft fruits (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries); Oriental and Berkane, in early crops and horticulture; and Dakhla, a new emerging agricultural region with exceptional potential. On a national level, producers who are ahead of the game in this transition are growers of red berries, cherry tomatoes, aromatic plants, peppers, and some certified organic crops."

"Each of these regions and products has specific needs. Given these needs in technical terms, and also taking into consideration the size of the growers' operations and budget, we offer customized greenhouse design and construction. In the Dakhla region, for example, we offer greenhouses adapted to high heat and strong winds, with high-performance cooling and ventilation systems."

El Barnossi shares the technical specifics of the model greenhouse for the Moroccan grower: "A highly resistant hot-dip galvanized structure, high-performance roofing materials (diffusing films, tempered glass, thermal nets), automated climate management and irrigation systems, enabling continuous, controlled production. There is also strong demand for intermediate solutions combining technical performance, durability, and affordability, aimed at small and medium-sized growers in search of better value for money."

She concludes, "Our offer is highly modulable and includes all the elements that define a modern, hi-tech greenhouse according to best international standards, and can be broken down as follows:

1. Structure and design
- Hot-dip galvanized steel: durability > 20 years, corrosion-resistant.
- High ridge height (up to 6 m): promotes air circulation and reduces thermal stress.
- Modular width: from 8 to 12 meters or more, with bays adaptable to the crop.

2. Roofing systems
- Multi-layer diffusing plastic films (EVA, PO, Glas): diffuse light evenly, reducing shading and sunburn.
- Movable roof or inflatable double roof (optional) for thermal insulation.
Integrated mobile shade or thermal nets: automated according to the amount of sunlight.

3. Air conditioning and climate control
- Smart climate-controlled greenhouses, capable of maintaining constant conditions (temperature, hygrometry, CO₂, light) thanks to: Natural and forced ventilation (extractors, helical fans, chimneys).
- Cooling by pad & fan system (wet wall + fans), or high-pressure misting.
- Heating (if required) by forced-air or radiant tubes, often used for sensitive crops (flowers, out-of-season).
- Night-time thermal screens to reduce heat loss and condensation.

4. Power supply
- Electrical via local grid or generator. With optional renewable energy sources such as,
- Photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof or nearby.
- Hybrid systems with batteries to stabilize power supply.
- Some projects in remote areas use off-grid solutions.

5. Fertigation and irrigation systems
- Fully automated management via a climate computer.
- Drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation, with control based on:
- Soil or substrate humidity,
- Evapotranspiration,
- Programmed growth curves.

6. Control technologies
- Climate sensors: temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed.
- Remote control software via cloud or mobile application.
- Data traceability for export and GlobalG.A.P. certification.

For more information:
Ferdaous El Bernossi
Smidcom
Tel: +212 661-459107
Email: