AgBlog

While there's abundant information about greenhouse gases, it's a common misconception to associate greenhouses with high greenhouse gas emissions. In reality, greenhouses enriched with carbon dioxide (CO2) enable plants to photosynthesize more effectively¹.

By partnering together, Netafim and Plasback will provide a circular economy solution for used dripline from the field in New Zealand.

Sustainable agriculture's future lies at the intersection of food security and financial efficiency, driven by commercial greenhouse innovation. We believe that local, sustainable food production using as few resources as possible is the path to achieve it.

A nursery is a meticulously crafted environment where young plants are cultivated and nurtured until they reach maturity for transplanting into farms or sale. Ever wondered about the significance of nursery design and its role in agriculture? Let's look at this crucial aspect of the agricultural landscape.

PILES of old poly and dripperline for years have been an all-too-familiar sight in the horticulture industry, however it’s good to see the growing focus on sustainability is also targeting this area and we are pleased various operators are taking up our recycling option to assist this.

In the past couple of months, our site in Bangkok has experienced a notable influx of visitors and a substantial increase in inquiries regarding precision irrigation solutions. Changing weather patterns are on everyone’s agenda as reports released by the World Meteorological Organization in March 2023, assert that the rare, three year in a row La Niña is officially over, and another cycle of El Niño is heading our way.

The global population crosses 7.7 billion, increasing pressure on food, water, and energy resources. Most people are living in urban areas, and this poses several challenges; food security will be a severe issue for the future of citizens.   

The way we have been producing food was adequate but not sustainable in the long run. We created large food hubs that distribute food across the globe. Covid and transportation issues have disrupted the international market. The need for local food production is evident. However, droughts and extreme weather make growing produce in an open field difficult. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can offer a solution. Can we produce crops in a more personalized manner?

Soil is a vital resource for feeding the burgeoning global population which is expected to reach over 9.8 billion people by 2050. The presence of excess salts in the soil make it saline, and pose a significant threat to farm productivity, environmental health and financial welfare. Based on the FAO/UNESCO soil map of the world, the total area of saline soils is 397 million hectares (Mha) which is approximately 3.1% of the world’s land area (FAO, 2005). Moreover, future projections of climate change and human population growth suggest that the extent of saline soils will grow accordingly.

Industrialized farming has allowed us to achieve large-scale food production at low costs, distributing it efficiently across the globe. However, this approach is proving unsustainable in the face of climate change, transportation challenges, and a growing population. Agricultural practices account for a significant 70% of global freshwater withdrawals and contribute to land and soil degradation (¹) . The emerging trend of growing food locally offers a solution to these challenges by shortening supply chains, reducing transportation costs, and minimizing carbon footprints. 

In the picturesque town of Pedregulho, nestled in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil, William Ferreira is writing a new chapter in the world of coffee farming. As the Manager of the Santa Maria and Jatobá Farms, part of the AGAM Group, William is on a mission to elevate coffee cultivation to new heights. His secret weapon? Netafim's cutting-edge GrowSphere™, the world's first operating system (OS) for precision irrigation and fertigation.  

At the turn of the millennium, as a fresh college grad with sparkly eyes and a passion to make an impact on the world, I joined a social NGO that initiated and operated learning centers for children from low income families. My mission was to recruit the business sector to take an active part in volunteering for this cause. The search for companies who would want to involve their employees in long term corporate volunteering was a frustrating journey filled with lots of “No, thank you!” as companies for the most part were interested in a quick and immediate route to doing good and making their employees feel good about themselves. My personal journey to meaningful, impactful, and lasting corporate social responsibility had begun.

Achieving success in constructing a commercial greenhouse hinge on a methodical approach that considers crucial factors such as optimal location and cutting-edge technologies. This article will delve into the essential steps required to establish a thriving commercial greenhouse.