Growing Technology Showcase

Chris Beytes

The most modern of greenhouse technology was once again on display in Amsterdam as the GreenTech greenhouse technology trade show returned. This fifth edition of the event, held June 14-16 in Amsterdam’s RAI exhibition center, was the first since 2019 when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events.

One benefit of the June timing is that it’s held during the Week 24 Flower Trials, giving you two reasons to make the trip, and nearly 11,000 industry folks from 121 countries came to the Netherlands to see the latest in greenhouse and vertical farming technology. Food crops and cannabis caught a lot of attention, but much of the technology on display from the 480 or so exhibitors was applicable to any greenhouse crop.

This was GrowerTalks’ first GreenTech and it reminded us of the former NTV (Nederlandse Tuinbouw Vakbeurs) show, which eventually merged with the International Flower Trade Show to form Horti Fair. Held in the same venue in three of the same halls, it featured almost as broad a range of mechanization and automation, even if not in the same volume as the old event.

High-tech and prototype automation attracted the crowds—robots for picking tomatoes and strawberries; robots that drive UV-C light panels through the crop to eliminate powdery mildew; hydroponic systems; biological pest management; ventilation systems for semi-closed greenhouses … even vertical farms in stainless steel silos (from Farmitank in Spain; the prototype is in Valencia). Truly something for everyone in the controlled environment agriculture space.

The next GreenTech Amsterdam will take place on June 13-15, 2023. GT