Takeaways From Cultivate 2022

Netafim USA recently attended AmericanHort’s Cultivate 2022 expo in Columbus, Ohio, marking the stateside debut of Gakon Netafim greenhouse solutions at one of the industry’s most important conventions.

Netafim specialists spoke to growers across industries, unified by the goal of growing fresh, affordable, and local products in the face of growing climate challenges and a growing population. With rising food prices and other challenges, the evolution of greenhouse options and the introduction of Gakon Netafim could not come at a more crucial moment.

At Cultivate, Gakon Netafim helped growers understand how sustainable, climate-controlled growing through greenhouses is more important and accessible than ever, while also walking away with insights on the state of the industry through the various conversations with attendees. Here are some of the key takeaways from the convention:

Local and Sustainable Growing Remains Key

Industry professionals are invested in finding ways to grow more locally to produce fresher produce and plants to drive competitive and affordable prices for consumers. Many view greenhouses as a perfect way to overcome challenges tied to the availability of land, water, and utilities.

Supply chain issues tied to the pandemic made it clear that local production is critical for abundant and affordable food supply, as importing food can be both costly and risky. Through greenhouse production, growers can deliver quicker and extend the shelf-life of their plants or crops.

Netafim experts explained that through greenhouse production, growers can cut land use by up to 80% and see water savings up to 90% while producing the same yields.  And for those looking to expand, greenhouses provide the flexibility to grow at any time of the year, therefore, allowing growers to grow in areas and climates previously not conducive for farming.

The Ag Industry Has Room for Everyone

From local growers, suppliers, and distributors to green-forward investors, designers, and manufacturers, there was a consensus that the agriculture industry has room for everyone.

This is especially true in the American greenhouse industry, which is projected to grow to nearly $72 billion by 2030. This growth optimism is incentivizing newcomers and industry veterans to inquire and invest in a controlled-climate environment. And unlike other industries where competition is high, there is a universal demand for optimizing the production of plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Conversations with numerous growers and manufacturers made it clear that green industry professionals do passion-based work with the goal of providing for a growing population. Through those conversations, Netafim was able to help growers learn how they can pursue this passion and take their efforts to the next level to meet those demands and tackle food insecurity.

Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Entry

Based on our experts’ conversations at the show, greenhouses’ barriers to immediate adoption are general knowledge, cost, feasibility studies, and locations where greenhouses haven't traditionally existed. Known for introducing the world's first irrigation system more than 50 years ago, Netafim is skilled in helping growers produce crops across various locations with varying resources, and greenhouses are no different.

Gakon Netafim's agronomy specialists are skilled in launching and running greenhouse solutions, offering a complete solutions model not seen elsewhere. From design, engineering, feasibility studies, and project cycle assistance, Netafim can guide all growers throughout the entire greenhouse production process.

At the show, Netafim answered an array of questions ranging from how greenhouses are built to how growers can customize a highly specific project already in the planning process. Whether a potential partner has ample funds but zero knowledge or just needs Netafim for one step in their process, we welcome all inquiries and look forward to helping expand the greenhouse space.