Spain: greenhouse potato production at scale

In Spain, there are companies that have been dedicated for years to the production of potatoes in greenhouses. The impressive operation of the Spaniards allows for supplying markets in northern Europe outside the traditional growing season. 

This is the case of the company Contagri, which ten years ago opted for this method and today cultivates between 10 and 15 hectares of organic potatoes under greenhouses in the town of Aznalcázar (Seville). 

The new times in agriculture require farmers to adapt to market demands. Consumer requirements generate new business opportunities for the field. 

Marco Román, manager of Contagri:
 

"We started this project because one of our Belgian clients demanded organic potatoes from us for a longer period than their natural season."

"We cultivate organic potatoes, which we usually start in April and continue until June or July."

"This client needed to cover demand in the months of March and April and did not want to bring potatoes from outside the EU due to carbon footprint and sustainability issues. That's when we decided to set up this structure."

"Currently, they have an exploitation of between 10 and 15 hectares, depending on the annual volume needs. Planting is done in mid-October, early November, and harvested in mid-March, 'so we manage to supply product to this chain during the months of March and April.'"

Detail of greenhouse cultivation

Greenhouse Cultivation

With the macro tunnel, they achieve ideal conditions for crop production. 

Marco Román:
 

"This year we have had days with temperatures as low as -4º, and the crop has not been affected. Through this system, all conditions are controlled: humidity, drip irrigation, and nutrition."

"We use organic fertilizers and treatments with sulfur, silicon... what was done 50 or 60 years ago, but in this type of planting systems."

"They bet on the Águila variety from which they harvest between 300 and 350 tons, which are sold practically in a month. It is the one demanded by the customer because in a taste panel, the final consumer gave it the highest score."

"It is a product with great demand in the Belgian market. When we stop having this variety, the customer calls us to ask when we will have it back because there is demand in the supermarket from people who want to buy it."

The investment to produce potatoes in a greenhouse is around 8,000 to 10,000 euros per hectare. Plastics are assembled and disassembled each year depending on the plot rotation.

Marco Román:
 

"I was certain that this was going to work. The company amortized the investment in infrastructure and installation in the first 4 years of work, thanks to the good market price of the product and the closed commitment with the Belgian chain, which is now 10 years old. It is a profitable crop."