The agricultural model of solar greenhouses in Southern Europe is a model of sustainability and efficiency. But there is more to every piece of fruit and vegetable: family histories, cooperative values, and young people who are committed to the future of rural areas and guarantee fresh and safe food for millions of European consumers.
Solar greenhouses in southern Europe are a sustainable production system. There are more than 15,000 families involved, and the work has evolved thanks to innovation and digitalization, without losing sight of the core value of teamwork. This model uses sunlight and climatic conditions to produce fruit and vegetables all year round, reduce water consumption, and promote the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly techniques such as biological pest control.
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Inspiring stories
"Family was everything in my life. Working in the greenhouses and in the fields is very hard, and we stuck together to get ahead. You can't imagine how happy we are that they are continuing their father's work. There is nothing better than seeing my children committed to the land, just as I have been," says Encarna Rodríguez, the first generation of producers in the family, in a video interview.
Miguel Gallardo, the second generation, shares his experiences: "I grew up watching my parents and grandparents work on the farm. Today, after decades, I can say that it is not a sacrifice to do this job, but a privilege. Farming is the most fascinating thing there is and the most fulfilling. What's more, we've gone from nothing to everything in terms of innovation: drip irrigation, biological pest control, and digitalization. Now we work in organic and biodynamic greenhouses and strive for self-sufficiency."
María Gallardo represents the new generation of producers: "I completed an apprenticeship as a pedagogue, but I decided to return to the countryside because I have always considered agriculture to be something valuable. My goal is to raise the profile of this sector and show that it is attractive to young people and women. I imagine the greenhouse of the future to be more technological, sustainable, and circular, with artificial intelligence and biological pest control. Working here brings satisfaction: behind every fruit are the efforts and sacrifices of modest families whose desire is to feed Europe."
A future with roots
The generational change not only ensures the continuity of solar greenhouses but also drives their sustainability and innovation. With the arrival of the new generations, greenhouses will continue to be an example of responsible and competitive production.
The video interview was published on Wednesday, December 17, and is available on platforms such as YouTube and on Es de Invernadero's Facebook and Instagram profiles.
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Promoting the agricultural and food sector
"Es de invernadero. Sustainable Fruits and Vegetables from Europe" is an initiative co-financed by the European Union as part of the "Enjoy, It's from Europe" program to promote the agricultural and food sector, which promotes sustainable agricultural production in solar greenhouses in southern Europe. It aims to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of this efficient and responsible model, which guarantees fresh, healthy, and affordable fruit and vegetables all year round.
The campaign is supported by HORTIESPAÑA, the Spanish trade association for fruit and vegetables. They are committed to promoting the recognition of the greenhouse fruit and vegetable sector at national and international levels and strengthening the commitment to sustainability, innovation, and food safety.
For more information:
www.esdeinvernadero.es
