For Reynir Jonss, providing Iceland with locally grown vegetables has always been top of mind. Back in the days, he used to refrigerate the cabbages to ensure storage possibilities throughout the winter. Later on, he started growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce in his greenhouse. Now, the company is up for sale. At the age of 61, Reynir believes it is time for a younger individual to take over and capitalize on the growing market for locally grown vegetables in Iceland.
Reykas Greenhouse, situated in the picturesque Icelandic countryside, has been a thriving agricultural venture for many years. However, with advancing age, Reynir recognizes the need for new energy and fresh perspectives to continue its success. As the demand for locally sourced produce continues to rise in Iceland, he feels confident that the greenhouse's potential will be fully realized by an enthusiastic and ambitious entrepreneur.
Speaking about his decision, Jonsson explains, "I am getting older, and at this stage, it is more suitable for someone younger to take the reins. In Iceland, people are increasingly embracing vegetables as part of their diet and showing a preference for locally-grown produce. New growers entering the market will find numerous opportunities to succeed."
Reykás, founded by Sólveiga Sigfúsdóttir and Reynir Jónsson in 1998, has a history that began even earlier, in 1987, when the founders embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. Initially, their focus was on cultivating cabbage, turnips, and a small quantity of cucumbers. In 2005, the decision was made to construct a 2016 m2 greenhouse dedicated to cucumber cultivation. This greenhouse relied on a water heating system provided by Hitaveita Flúda. The climate control within the greenhouse was expertly managed by a Priva computer system, overseeing tasks such as watering, window operation, lighting control, carbon dioxide regulation, and humidity and heat management through a specialized humidifier. The completion of the greenhouse occurred in the autumn of 2006, followed by the installation of lighting in January 2007.
Reykás continued to advance with new developments. In 2015, they acquired a Nemek ground drill, enabling them to tap into hot water sources. Their efforts paid off as they discovered an abundant supply of 73-degree hot water at a depth of 140 meters, located 360 meters away from the greenhouse. Taking advantage of this newfound resource, they embarked on the construction of a greenhouse with a packing facility spanning 1,440 m2 in the fall of 2016. The year 2018 marked another significant milestone for the company as they embraced the innovative technology of Viscon Hydroponics for lettuce cultivation. Utilizing this method, the lettuce plants float on water in a circular pattern, starting as small plants and ultimately growing into fully matured lettuces at the end of the circle.
The greenhouse has been known for its dedication to cultivating healthy vegetables that contribute to Iceland's self-sufficiency in food production, as in their early years, they ensured to refrigerate their cabbages so they could be stored until March. "In a country where the same water is used for drinking, irrigation, and even car washing, the significance of locally grown, environmentally friendly produce cannot be overstated," says Reynir. As health consciousness continues to increase, the demand for fresh, organic vegetables in Iceland is expected to grow exponentially.
Operating a greenhouse in Iceland comes with its fair share of challenges, primarily due to the unique weather conditions. The cold winters with limited daylight and the summers with nearly 24 hours of sunlight necessitate innovative cultivation methods. To overcome these obstacles, the majority of farmers in Iceland utilize artificial lighting systems to extend the growing season, enabling year-round vegetable production – making the company one of the first to seriously embrace the possibilities of lit cultivation throughout the year.
Reynir Jonsson's decision to sell Reykas Greenhouse not only marks the end of an era for him but also represents a new beginning for an aspiring entrepreneur. The transition of ownership offers an opportunity to contribute to Iceland's self-sufficiency in food production while capitalizing on the rising trend of supporting local farmers.
And Reynir? He will not leave the horticultural industry definitive, as he will continue with NPK, a side business that has been importing fertilizers into Iceland since 2009, is currently building and lifting greenhouses with TCV Van den Dool, and operates as an agent for Koppert, Priva, Grodan, Van Iperen, Yara and more companies.
"When you stop growing, you miss a lot. There's always enough to do, and it's always a challenge to do better today than yesterday. But with NPK, we've also found something new to grow."
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For more information:
Reykas
reykas.is
