Four weeks ago, the Vila Group, a tomato producer from the south of France, started harvesting its elongated cherry tomatoes grown in a greenhouse rebuilt in 2021. “These tomatoes are produced under a special program. In June 2021, we demolished our greenhouse from the 90s, rebuilt it during the summer, and replanted it last November to grow so-called ‘priced’ tomatoes. This means that they will be sold at a fixed price throughout the season and will not be affected by the ups and downs of the market. This commitment from the client brings security and visibility to us producers. It is a new way of trading, which Paysans de Rougeline initiated 3 years ago,” explains Franck Vila.
Franck Vila
A semi-closed greenhouse for better climate management
Besides the stability offered by this program, the production in this new semi-closed greenhouse has its own set of advantages, including better climate management. “Semi-closed greenhouses have been emerging for the past 10 years in the south of France. We have been able to appreciate the qualities of this type of greenhouse, especially during the summer. It is an unlit greenhouse of the Hortined brand that presents a number of advantages compared to a traditional greenhouse. First of all, it is very luminous since it has much less ventilation needed on its roof than a traditional greenhouse.
"Its dynamic pressure ventilation system allows us to better manage the climate, as well as the humidity and CO2 levels. During the summer, this type of greenhouse makes it easier to compensate for the lack of humidity that a dry climate can create.”
A tool that facilitates the commitment to a ZPR approach
Phytosanitary management is also easier in a semi-closed greenhouse. “Its design brings additional leverage to better manage all the sanitary problems faced by the crop. There are fewer pests, which allows us to engage this type of production in a Zero Pesticide Residue approach, in a much safer way. We clearly have additional means to make this program succeed.”
Increase in yield for a better production/energy ratio
Although building a semi-closed greenhouse costs more than a traditional one, the higher productivity ultimately helps save on the costs. “Compared to a traditional modern greenhouse, a semi-closed greenhouse is more energy-efficient thanks to its dynamic ventilation system. One of its main assets is that it helps obtain a higher yield. This naturally induces a better ratio of grams of CO2/KG of tomato produced than with a traditional greenhouse. For the same consumption level of energy, water and inputs, we gain in performance by reaching higher yields. This tool allows for an ambitious tonnage objective of approximately 360 tons/hectare.”
The choice of tasty varieties
For several years already, Paysans de Rougeline has chosen to grow tasty varieties. “These have a higher sugar level than the tomatoes found on the traditional market. Besides, we have also noticed an increase in consumer interest for this type of variety in recent years.”
For more information:
Franck Vila
Groupe Vila
[email protected]
