18 June 2019 News
“It’s like a lightbulb has gone off, with indoor growers keen to expand production to meet the consumer demand, retailers traveling to Holland to learn more about how to achieve local supply, and investors keen to enhance operational efficiencies and add new products,” explains Freek Knol, National Sales Manager, Enza Zaden USA.
This shift brings with it an unprecedented focus on the growth potential of Indoor Farming , or technology-enhanced protected growing environments, including:
High tech hydroponic greenhouses represent most indoor growing operations in North America, offering a year-round solution to fresh and local leafy greens.
The vertical farming concept is a recent evolution, with an estimated 60 functioning businesses in the U.S.. Growth in the category is mitigated by high start-up and operational costs, and continuing investment over several years to achieve profitability.
Vertical farms offer significantly reduced environmental impact, with potential for a 95% reduction in water usage, limited use of pesticides, high productivity on a small land footprint, short transport, excellent product freshness and the benefit of being locally grown. The current examples in North America, however, are impacted by extremely high start-up and operational costs, mitigating profitability for the interim.
In all cases, seed genetics are critical to achieving desired outcomes. Most crops are currently being produced with seed developed for outdoor growing under changeable environmental conditions. Seed developed specifically for tightly controlled indoor growing conditions will play a significantly role in shaping the next phase of industry growth.
“Right now, the industry is focused on highly perishable products where consistency is needed and that don’t grow very tall, as well as products that can be miniaturized,” said Kees Rodenburg.
Consumer input is accelerating the pace of product availability, as people ask for more variety each time they see and purchase a new local produce product.
Enza Zaden offers 12 hydroponic leafy varieties, with 15 more to be introduced in the next year and hundreds in the pipeline. The company’s global research infrastructure and wide portfolio of lettuces provides a formidable foundation for its growing hydroponic portfolio, which already features its EazyLeaf® one-cuts, and Cristabel leaf lettuce.
“We are breeding specifically for this market because we believe in it as the next evolution of food. We’re excited to leverage our depth of global breeding experience, and our knowledge of the unique North American market, as we partner with both longstanding customers and industry newcomers to achieve desired results in unique indoor growing environments,” Hans Verwegen, Marketing Specialist, Enza Zaden.
Enza Zaden offerings include:
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