This edition of Horti-Gen Insights delves into the evolving world of greenhouse technology through a detailed interview with Rob Vandersteen of Growtec, a North American provider of growing system solutions. The conversation highlights the pivotal trends shaping small fruit production, particularly in Canada, offering practical insights and forward-looking perspectives for industry professionals.

In short, Rob Vandersteen is a seasoned veteran in the greenhouse industry, with over 30 years of experience, including more than two decades at Zwart Systems and, more recently, serving as a Technical Sales Expert at Growtec for cultivation gutter and drip irrigation systems. Thanks again Rob for your time sharing a bit of your expertise!

Advances in Greenhouse Technology: Driving Sustainable Fruit Production

Recent years have witnessed transformative advancements in greenhouse technology, notably in the realm of robotics and automation. Small-fruit growers have long grappled with disease pressures and labor shortages, a dual threat that is being addressed through cutting-edge mechanization. Robotic spray booms, once a conceptual prospect, now target diseased areas with remarkable precision, drastically reducing the volumes of fungicide and pesticide required, or harness ultraviolet light to suppress mildews before they manifest.

Meanwhile, robotic harvesters are revolutionizing labor by enabling round-the-clock harvesting, ensuring fruit is swiftly transferred to cold storage to preserve freshness and quality. Beyond harvesting, these machines continuously monitor crop yield data and proactively identify problem areas, frequently before the grower detects them. As robot efficiency continues to improve incrementally and labor and chemical costs rise, this trajectory promises a more sustainable agricultural future, where precision, predictive analytics, and reduced environmental impact become the norm.

Growtec’s Approach to Yield, Labor, and Sustainability

One of Growtec’s key contributions to greenhouse production is its own gutter systems, intentionally designed to elevate plant rows and enhance workflow. By positioning gutters at an ergonomic height, workers maintain consistent productivity throughout the day, minimizing fatigue and optimizing routine tasks. These gutters enable uniform planting, utilizing slabs or buckets for consistent soil mixes, improved root zone warmth, and superior pest control, eliminating nematodes and ensuring exacting fertigation through advanced irrigation.

Drainage water is efficiently recaptured for reuse, and the structure accommodates both tape and wire systems for streamlined harvesting.

Additionally, Growtec’s “swing system” increases the number of rows per bay, ensuring that every plant receives ample sunlight or artificial light, thereby directly boosting production and sustainability. This flexibility not only facilitates automation but also supports environmentally conscious production—a major priority for today’s growers and consumers.

Transitioning to Cost-Effective High-Tunnel Systems: Practical Guidance

Transitioning from traditional agriculture to greenhouse systems can seem daunting, particularly for small and medium-sized growers. Vandersteen offers strategic guidance for a smoother evolution: Field-Scale high tunnels present a cost-effective entry point, affording eight to ten months of active production in Canada and the United States without heavy investment or high energy use. These tunnels, when equipped with Growtec gutter systems, offer many of the automation and labor efficiencies typically found in full greenhouses.

While the total annual yield may not match that of year-round structures, the extended production window is increasingly attractive to grocery retailers, interested in sustained supply and uniform quality. Yet, one of the most crucial elements for growers lies in rapid cooling: Even the finest fruit risks shortened shelf life if not promptly chilled. Direct delivery using refrigerated transport extends product longevity, maintaining high quality and encouraging repeat business, a vital detail in an increasingly competitive market.

Navigating Upcoming Challenges in Canadian Greenhouse Production

Looking ahead to 2026, Canadian greenhouse operators face formidable obstacles, including persistent disease threats, the need for high production volumes to ensure profitability, and mounting competition from low-cost field-grown alternatives. Growtec’s systems provide support by ensuring a sterile rooting medium, maximizing airflow, and precisely managing humidity and CO₂, which are crucial variables for healthy plant development and effective disease management.

The capacity for precise chemical applications and the advantage of keeping fruit raised above the soil further mitigate risks. While market pressures challenge growers to maintain both quality and productivity, emerging varietals show promising gains in taste, shape, and yield, suggesting that ongoing experimentation is key.

Field-grown competition remains a factor, but shifting climate patterns, abbreviated growing seasons, and consumer demand for longer shelf life and improved quality are gradually strengthening the case for greenhouse-grown fruit. The “Grown-in-Canada” movement is also elevating local greenhouse operations, positioning them as leaders in regional produce.

The Role of AI and Automation in Shaping Future Greenhouse Management

The integration of smart controls, automation, and AI is poised to profoundly reshape greenhouse management. Uniformity enabled by Growtec’s gutter systems underpins successful automation, consistent spacing, and plant height, allowing for efficient, machine-based harvesting and spraying. Advanced drippers with pressure-compensation technology deliver precisely equal irrigation across extensive growing areas, ensuring uniform crop development.

Artificial intelligence, powered by cameras mounted on automated equipment, is poised to refine growing practices further. These systems can notify growers of optimal harvesting times and prompt timely plant maintenance, managing labor with precision while boosting yields.

Growtec’s partnership with MJ Tech introduces high-pressure fogging systems integrated with environmental computers, balancing temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels to minimize plant stress and maximize growth. This optimizes the climate for biological controls, fostering both plant health and environmental outcomes.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Greenhouse Innovation

As greenhouse technology continues to evolve rapidly, growers are faced with the challenge of balancing innovation, sustainability, and profitability. Automation and AI are emerging as critical tools for data-driven decision making, improved crop health, and operational efficiency. Growtec, through its collaborative approach and technical advancements, provides viable solutions while maintaining a neutral, industry-informed perspective.

The ongoing dialogue between technology providers and growers is essential for the sector’s continued success. By focusing on ergonomic solutions, resource efficiency, and real-world challenges, the greenhouse industry can confidently navigate the complexities of sustainable fruit production, equipped for the opportunities and risks of the coming years.

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