Hydroponic farming means that crops are grown in nutrient-rich solutions with substrates, rather than soil. When growing in soil, plants use valuable energy developing elaborate root systems to seek out nutrients and water. Hydroponics brings the nutrients directly to the plant – in the right quantity at the right time. This means that plants can focus their energy on growing fruits, resulting in better quality and faster growing rates. Hydroponic farming also reduces the water needed to grow a crop by as much as 80%, so it is good for the consumer and the environment.
Organic farming relies on natural methods, such as using natural enemies to control pests in a sustainable way. These natural solutions include a combination of beneficial insects, fungi and organic compost that replace agro-chemicals to control diseases and insects that are harmful to plants. So, they are good for the plant, the environment, and you.
Automatic root watering technology delivers water straight to the root, so plants grown in soil do not need to waste energy searching for moisture but can focus on growth. The root watering systems also allow for nutrients to be delivered directly to the root zone. The system operates more efficiently than conventional fertilizer application since the nutrient delivery and uptake can be carefully measured and controlled, reducing the chance of over- fertilization.
The controlled conditions of our greenhouses also allow us to conduct variety testing. In these tests new vegetable varieties can be tested to determine optimum growing conditions and to assess their performance against existing varieties – for example we compare yields, shelf-life and taste. Through these tests we can improve the performance of our farms, while also providing valuable insights to our contract farmers, sharing growing protocols and varieties that bring fresher, tastier food to you.
Insect trap systems are used to eliminate or prevent pests. On our farms, we apply two insect trap systems, sticky color traps and pheromone traps to optimize pest prevention and increase quality and food safety for our vegetables. Our traps use attractive colors and smells to lure the insects to a glue mixture that traps the insect and prevents it from attacking the plants.
Ensuring the quality and food safety of products is a priority on our farms. So we use bio controls, natural solutions, to solve problems related to pests and diseases. These natural solutions include a combination of beneficial insects, fungi and organic soils that can replace chemical pesticides to control diseases and insects that are harmful to plants. Our bio controls are good for the plant, the environment, and you.
Greenhouses are one of the most advanced technologies currently applied in high-tech agriculture. The greenhouse is designed to extend the growing season by controlling the environment, whether it be the growing temperature or the amount of water that crops receive. Sensors linked to the roof of our greenhouses help to achieve this by measuring the temperature and humidity conditions and then adjusting the roof panels to allow in more or less air. In addition, because the greenhouse is a closed system, the chance of being affected by pests and diseases is reduced. At the same time the closed system can keep beneficial insects indoors. Reducing unwanted pests and trapping beneficial ones results in healthier plants, which in turn means that less chemicals are needed. In addition, our greenhouse roofs are covered with a special film that helps amplify indoor light and scatter it uniformly so that plants mature at the same time. Moreover, this also prevents harmful UV rays from reaching the plant and stops the formation of condensation, further limiting diseases.
