How tech helps greenhouse growers streamline production

Added on 18 January 2024

Tags

How tech helps greenhouse growers streamline production

Photo: Garden State Growers

In Greenhouse Grower’s 2023 Top 100 Growers survey, almost 80% of respondents said improving efficiency was the biggest factor causing them to invest in new technology, while another 76% cited the cost of labor. Moreover, 90% of respondents said they plan to invest in new structures, retrofits, or other expansions in the coming year.

As we move into 2024, here’s a closer look at how two different growing operations approach technology adoption.

At Garden State Growers in New Jersey, the focus is on both expanding and improving efficiencies at the same time, according to Jan Nielson, Director of Operations at Garden State, with the ultimate goal being streamlined production.

“Before we make a decision on new technology, we want to see it in action first, or we want to make sure it comes from a supplier we’ve previously worked with and has been proven elsewhere,” says Mike Prol, VP Production and Lean Manager at Garden State Growers. Nielson also notes that while Garden State may not be the first to do something new, it is certainly right behind that first wave, especially when it comes to technology that may be developed and proven in Europe, but has yet to become established by growers in the U.S.