Experimental Greenhouses

The French organisation CTIFL (Inter-professional Technical Centre for Fruit and Vegetables) has announced a €2.2m investment in experimental greenhouses in order to boost productivity, energy efficiency and yield quality.

The ultra-modern greenhouses will specialise in the attainment of optimal growing conditions for tomatoes and cucumbers. Outside air will be drawn into the greenhouse and transited via humidified filters and propelled by air vents towards the hanging plants, achieving ideal temperatures and pressures.

Variables such as humidity, carbonic gases, temperature and air pressure are controlled via sophisticated integrated computer technology. The computer will also read radiation sensors for thermic and shade screens, thereby controlling light to a much greater degree than previously possible.

The investment is part of a wider EU push to revolutionise agriculture by utilising scientific and technological techniques to improve yields, productivity and sustainability.