Dutch group reports back from Närpes, where growers have reportedly adapted well to new production challenges
Finland’s greenhouse production of crops including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergines appears to be flourishing, according to Dutch consultancy Delphy.
The company’s greenhouse vegetables team recently visited growers in Närpes, in the west of the country, where they said they discovered an industry that has embraced new technology and adapted well to fluctuating energy prices.
“An interesting trend is the growing adoption of Full-LED lighting, now accounting for 11 per cent of lit cultivation areas,” Delphy reported on its website.
“Most growers employ hybrid systems (61 per cent), while 28 per cent still rely solely on HPS lighting. Unlike in the Netherlands, the use of light emission screens is not mandatory in Finland. In fact, the extra light is appreciated by the local population during the dark winter months, when daylight is scarce.”
The visit also showed how Finnish growers had adapted to unpredictable energy prices and moved towards more sustainable sources, it added.
“The use of e-boilers is on the rise, driven by fluctuating energy costs. Growers are seeking flexible solutions to manage peaks and troughs in costs, with electric heat generation gaining popularity.”
