Greenhouse agriculture is undergoing a period of change driven by both technological advancements and new social and environmental demands. In southern Spain, particularly in AlmerÃa, innovation and the debate surrounding intensive farming are at the heart of the conversation, as the sector prepares for future challenges.
In recent decades, AlmerÃa has established itself as a global leader in greenhouse fruit and vegetable production, driving the development of technological solutions, biological control strategies, and increasing attention to working conditions in the sector. To learn more about cultivation techniques, you may be interested in exploring intensive agriculture and greenhouse practices.
AlmerÃa, international epicenter: World Symposium on Greenhouse Technology
For the first time, Spain will host the largest scientific congress on greenhouse technology next year . The University of AlmerÃa will be the venue for GreenSys 2025, an event that will bring together more than 300 international specialists, with over two hundred presentations and a wide variety of workshops and technical discussions.
The program will address current topics such as the use of artificial intelligence, automation, water efficiency , and the integration of renewable energy into greenhouse management. It will also analyze aspects such as climate monitoring solutions, hydroponic cultivation, plant protection, and the environmental sustainability of greenhouse farming.
AlmerÃa's relevance as the venue for this meeting lies in its vast area of ​​over 33.000 hectares of greenhouses , making it the leading fruit and vegetable producing region in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. Furthermore, the province boasts cutting-edge research centers and unique climatic conditions that foster innovation in protected agricultural systems. For more information on pest control in greenhouses, please see the section on biological control and pest management in protected crops.
Biological control: a fundamental strategy against emerging pests
Biological control is becoming established as the most effective tactic for managing pests in greenhouses. In the province of AlmerÃa, the application of techniques based on beneficial insects, microorganisms, and natural extracts has made it possible to reduce pesticide residues in crops to virtually zero, thus strengthening the quality and food safety of their produce.
The commitment to integrated pest management and the deployment of biological solutions has the support of government agencies and has brought about a radical change compared to traditional management with chemical products. Currently, there are more than twenty biological methods to combat pests such as thrips, including predatory mites, nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi, and reservoir plants . These techniques not only offer greater sustainability but also minimize resistance and allow for a better ecological balance in the greenhouse environment.
The sector recognizes the importance of professionalizing pest management and providing farmers with qualified technical advice. To this end, a thorough understanding of pests and diseases in protected crops is essential for optimizing their control.
Innovation in ergonomics: less effort and greater safety when sowing
Mechanics applied to greenhouse work is also experiencing a significant leap forward in improving working conditions for employees. Engineers from the universities of AlmerÃa and Huelva have recently developed a pneumatic device adaptable to agricultural carts that allows planting holes to be made with much less physical effort. This simple and affordable system reduces the workload on farmers during sowing—one of the most demanding tasks in greenhouse agriculture—by more than 60%.
The new system consists of a compressed air-powered piston that drills into the soil quickly and precisely, avoiding the awkward and repetitive postures that traditionally caused musculoskeletal injuries. Field tests have shown that the tool is equally effective in different soil types and can be integrated into conventional agricultural carts used daily in the fields. For more information on safety in agricultural work, please see the insurance and prevention section for the field.
This type of innovation responds to the need to improve the safety and ergonomics of agricultural work, especially in family farms and small farms where total automation is still not very viable.
Social and future challenges of the intensive model
Beyond technological and production advances , the intensive greenhouse farming model in southern Spain is also the subject of increasingly in-depth social analysis . Recently, the screening of the documentary "The Voice of the Greenhouse" has brought to light the working conditions of migrant workers and the situation of seasonal worker settlements in soft fruit producing areas.
Various organizations emphasize the need for public administrations to strengthen their involvement in improving the dignity and quality of life of those who sustain the sector. The social debate on the true cost of food and shared responsibility continues to grow, driving discussions about the future of the intensive farming model and the search for a balance between productivity, sustainability, and social justice. For further information on these aspects, see the trends and challenges in the greenhouse agricultural market.
The sector continues to face challenges related to working conditions, environmental sustainability, and social acceptance. Technological innovation, improved working conditions, and ethical reflection are essential to ensuring a fairer and more sustainable future for agriculture under plastic in Spain.
