Based in Boulder, Colorado, Ceres Greenhouse Solutions is an engineering company that specializes in energy-efficient greenhouse systems. Marc Plinke, the Managing Director and greenhouse expert, is excited about the global shift toward growing indoors but notes that other factors are currently influencing the speed of expansion.
A surge in greenhouse investment
Marc observed a significant increase in greenhouse-related discussions at Fruit Logistica this year. "Greenhouse companies had a stronger presence than ever before. There's a growing focus on high-quality fruit and vegetable production," he says. "People need good quality fruit and vegetables. It's a necessity. A few years back the big boom was around the cannabis industry which drove investment in controlled growing environments, but it's more of a "wish" product than it is a necessity. You can't live without high-quality fruit and veg."
This shift has been particularly noticeable in berry production. "Strawberries and blueberries have traditionally been bred for outdoor cultivation, but that's changing fast. More breeders and greenhouse suppliers are now tailoring varieties and methods specifically for controlled environments," he explained. These new genetics enable year-round production and multiple harvests, making them far more efficient than traditional outdoor crops. "This is transforming the industry. The investment is there, and because it's focused on essential food crops, it's a sustainable direction."
Climate and market demand as drivers of change
Marc emphasizes the fact that climate unpredictability is making greenhouses an essential part of modern production. "I'm not suggesting we move everything indoors, but having part of the production in a controlled environment is becoming really important to help mitigate extreme weather risks and ensure food security."
Market demands are another major factor. "Retailers expect year-round supply. They're not willing to accept seasonal availability anymore. The competition is intense, and if you want to stay relevant, you need to ensure continuous production," he elaborates.
Uncertainty in the U.S. market
While greenhouse investments are surging globally, he points out that uncertainty in the U.S. is causing hesitancy. "Regulations, taxes and tariffs are a concern, but the real issue for many growers is actually labor. Many rely on seasonal workers from Mexico and other countries south of the border, and right now, they're unsure if those workers will be able to return once they go home for a break. Without that workforce, operations are at big risk."
This uncertainty has already impacted greenhouse expansion. "We are experiencing commitment issues from clients, like many other businesses in the industry," he says.
The increasing use of tariffs on food as a political tool has shown the need for greater self-sufficiency in agricultural production. "We've seen how COVID-19 and ongoing tariff disputes have exposed vulnerabilities in the global food supply chain," Marc notes. As a result, many nations, including Singapore and several Middle Eastern countries, have pledged significant investments in local food production—even for crops that traditionally wouldn't be grown there.
"Countries are recognizing that relying on imports is no longer a stable long-term strategy. Growing locally year-round, whether it's blueberries in Florida or fresh vegetables in arid regions, is only possible through controlled environment agriculture," he explains.
Adapting to global supply challenges
Another big talking point in the US is steel, which led Ceres Greenhouse Solutions to quickly adjust its business strategy. "Steel exports from the U.S. have become complicated, so we're shifting to sourcing steel locally in the countries where we build," he says. "Being essentially a steel exporter to use in our greenhouse structures, the regulations have limited us and forced us to rather use local steel available where we build."
Trade shows like Fruit Logistica and Indoor AgCon have become crucial for forming new partnerships. "These events allow us to connect with local suppliers. We bring engineering expertise, greenhouse design, know-how, and project management, while local partners supply the materials. In countries with sufficient local steel manufacturing companies, we're offering our services to growers there with locally produced steel," he explains.
The Renaissance of indoor agriculture
Even though there are various challenges to consider, Marc highlights two major factors pushing more growers toward greenhouse production: hail damage and water scarcity. "Hailstorms can wipe out entire crops in minutes, and water shortages are a constant concern. Greenhouse production allows us to use significantly less water while maintaining high yields."
This is particularly crucial in hot and arid regions, where water scarcity poses a major challenge. "In places where water is the biggest limiting factor for agriculture, greenhouses provide a way to grow crops like tomatoes and leafy greens efficiently, using advanced irrigation and water recycling systems to minimize waste," he said. These technologies enable sustainable food production in areas where traditional farming would struggle.
He described this shift as a "modern-day agricultural renaissance." "Growers are realizing that controlled environments are not just a luxury but a necessity. Between climate pressures, market demands, and sustainability concerns, greenhouses are becoming the logical way forward."
For more information:
Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
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www.ceresgs.com