From Innovation to Implementation: Bridging the Global Gap in Glasshouse Horticulture

The landscape of global agriculture is rapidly changing, with controlled environment glasshouse horticulture emerging as a key player in addressing food security and sustainability. Examining the advancements and opportunities in this field through the lenses of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Malawi, we can uncover valuable insights and foster collaboration to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries.

The Netherlands.

Firstly, looking at The Netherlands, When it comes to glasshouse horticulture, the Netherlands is often seen as the gold standard. Known for its technological prowess and high productivity, Dutch glasshouses, or greenhouses, leverage cutting-edge innovations to optimize growing conditions year-round. The key Innovations being used by the Dutch horticulture include but not limited to Automated Climate Control systems. These are sophisticated systems that are widely used in the Netherlands CEA industry to manage temperature, humidity, and light with the aim of creating the perfect environment for plant growth. The Dutch horticulture industry use Advanced Hydroponics. Yes, the Soil-less cultivation systems which is used to conserve water and nutrients while maximizing yields in an otherwise small space of land. The Netherlands use of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Crop Monitoring systems is so admirable. The adoption and use of Artificial intelligence and machine learning ensure timely interventions, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in the production of various crops.

Is there any Economic Impact for such AI driven systems and smart technological adoption in the horticulture?

Well, The Dutch horticulture sector is a major economic driver, creating jobs and generating substantial export revenue. The Netherlands has time and again showcased the potential of controlled environment agriculture to enhance both food security and economic resilience. The Netherlands is the heart of advanced horticultural technology and systems for efficiency and sustainability. I am happy to experience such technology prowess on daily basis as part of the horticulture workforce in the Netherlands, and I am grateful for this.

The United Kingdom.

Lets talk a bit about The United Kingdom, specifically England. The UK has a rich horticultural history, and it is pleasing to see that it is now embracing modern glasshouse technologies to boost productivity and sustainability at a rapid scale. The British growers are increasingly turning to controlled environment practices to mitigate challenges like unpredictable weather and limited arable land which I am sure will help produce more fresh food for the UK shelves. Having worked in both established glasshouse company and newly built glasshouse with Home grown advanced technologies and some companies embracing the adoption of The Dutch horticultural technologies, I am very optimistic that food production will keep on increasing and substitute the imports in the long run as the British consumer choices keep on demanding for locally produced foods.

The most notable key Innovations being used in the UK horticulture production includes the Energy-Efficient Glasshouses. Due to energy needs of these technologies and the high prices of energy in UK it is not surprising that growers in UK are geared on Utilizing renewable energy sources and advanced insulation to reduce the cost of production and also minimize environmental footprint.

The UK government demand to see its farmers adhere to the call for use of Integrated Pest Management is what has led to more growers to seek for more sustainable ways of crop production. Farmers in England are prioritizing sustainable pest control methods, including biological controls to reduce chemical pesticide use. The explosion of Vertical Farming start up and investment in England through the Innovate UK Funding stream has seen more players from unrelated farming background to explore opportunities and investments in vertical farming within Controlled Environment Agriculture industry to optimize space and support urban agriculture. This has seen more sophisticated smart farming technology adoption in areas where agriculture could not previous be considered viable especially in the urban set up of big cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester and others.

Has this resulted into any economic Impact for the United Kingdom?

The UK's glasshouse horticulture industry supports rural communities, creates jobs, and contributes to local food production. Though it is a little disappointing that this farming system has not yet attracted more young British workforce due to its low pay, it keeps on being a promising and smart way of producing food for the British market. By blending tradition with innovation, the UK has demonstrated how controlled environment agriculture can adapt to diverse conditions.

Africa: Malawi.

Is Malawi an Emerging Opportunities in Glasshouse Horticulture?

In contrast to the Netherlands and the UK, Malawi represents a developing country with immense potential in glasshouse horticulture. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, poverty, corruption and infrastructure, Malawi is making significant strides towards adopting controlled environment technologies to improve food security and livelihoods. Due to the high cost of the most efficient horticultural systems and lack of financial muscle for Malawian farmers to afford such systems, the country players in the horticultural industry have adopted Low-Cost Greenhouses. The growers and companies have resorted in developing affordable structures using locally available materials, making low cost less advanced technology accessible to smallholder farmers who would otherwise not be able to produce food on small spaces. Malawi being a water shortage hit country with rainy and dry season between its farming calendar, Water-Saving Techniques are one of the most important factors to consider before planning for any farming system. The emphasis is on efficient irrigation methods, like drip irrigation, to conserve water though the efficiency is hindered by high temperatures which are mostly for a prolonged period of the year.

The coming in of major organisation to help in capacity building for farmers and growers in horticultural skill training programs and partnerships will see many farmers being empowered with essential skills and knowledge which are the basis for a successful horticultural business. The exporting of labour to Israel to work in horticultural farms will in the long run benefits the country when the experienced workers return home and use the knowledge they get to good use. However the cost of investment to establish a thriving horticultural farming system is just a dream in the absence of funding streams and financial institution support. The political will and change of laws to accommodate such investment for both locals and international investors remain key to a productive establishment of such high yielding systems.

Can this have any Economic Impact on Malawi economy?

Malawi depend on agriculture for its economy. However, the agriculture period is only seasonal and to break such a barrier, there is need to introduce a strong disruptor as Controlled Environment Glasshouses and accept that farming is the main economic activity which can change the economy with astronomically improve peoples welfare. Glasshouse horticulture in Malawi can boost local economies by increasing crop yields, extending growing seasons, create jobs for millions of unemployed youthful cheap labour and providing fresh produce to urban markets and international markets where food is in great need due to war and other climate related causes. The Low-cost solutions in Malawi can ensure that technology benefits those who need it most. The vibrant work being done by The Malawi University of Science and Technology, The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural resources and Mzuzu University can be a game changer in this industry. Technologies developed with Malawi with language configuration for Malawian farming user in their language such as Chewa, Tumbuka, Yawo would greatly improve chances of adoption and use. Despite the efforts being done by various stakeholders in Malawi to revamp the horticulture industry, the unwanted truth remains that it continues to loose its strength and weakens at an alarming rate leaving most farming families to massive food shortages every year. There is need for a new approach not on paper but on the ground with proper support from government and developing partners.

Is there need for bridging the gap from the Lessons and Opportunities that have been presented in this article?

Absolutely, Yes!!! The experiences of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Malawi in this write up has highlighted the diverse approaches to glasshouse horticulture and farming at large to improve food security. Fostering knowledge exchange programs and collaboration from both worlds, I am of the view that we can collectively bridge the gap between the developed and developing countries approach to food production, consequently unlocking new opportunities for sustainable agriculture worldwide. The knowledge transfer through placement and not only university education support but farmers (NOTGOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OR LEADERSHIP BUT FARMERS) learning placement platforms where farmer to farmer sharing of expertise from developed countries to developing countries can accelerate technology adoption in developing nations. Tailored Innovative solution must be adapted to local conditions, language, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. there is also need for collaborative Initiatives especially International partnerships, investments, and capacity-building programs which are crucial for supporting growth in developing countries like Malawi.

What are the Future Prospects then?

The future of controlled environment glasshouse horticulture holds immense promise for addressing global challenges like food security, climate change, and economic development. By working together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

Let me end by the Call to Action for Malawi and other developing countries to fully realize the potential of glasshouse horticulture, it is essential to attract investment, political leadership, and donor support. Governments must prioritize agricultural innovation and create favourable policies for technology adoption. Donors and international organizations should support capacity-building initiatives and provide funding for infrastructure development to these struggling economies. By harnessing the power of technology and collaboration, we can transform horticulture into a driver of sustainable development and prosperity for all.

Lets keep talking about this, please engage with me if you have any thoughts...What are your thoughts on the role of controlled environment horticulture in achieving global food security? How can we enhance collaboration between developed and developing countries in this field? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!