"Adopting CEA practices is necessary for the future of sustainable agriculture"

"We strongly believe that the world is transitioning towards controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as a response to the pressing issues of climate change, food security, and logistics challenges," says Reuven Losh, Senior Vice President of the Greenhouse, Projects & Service division at Orbia’s precision agriculture business, Netafim. "Farmers, investors, institutions, and governments are all grappling with these potentially devastating challenges. It is becoming increasingly evident that adopting CEA practices is not just a viable solution, but a necessary one for the future of sustainable agriculture.”

"As countries strive towards achieving food sovereignty, they are exploring a diverse array of options. Having been actively involved in providing open field solutions for many years, we are now witnessing a notable shift among our customers towards indoor agriculture. From large-scale urban farms to cultivation within or in close proximity to supermarkets, and the ever-growing presence of commercial greenhouses, these practices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Recognizing this swift shift, we are determined to play a major role in this emerging market. Our goal is to provide innovative and reliable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of indoor agriculture and contribute to the growth and success of our customers.”

Driving CEA success with true partnerships
Reuven believes that the key to long-lasting, successful CEA projects lies in forming a holistic partnership with the growers of today and tomorrow. "Netafim has been actively engaged in the greenhouse market for many years, offering advanced solutions to growers transitioning from open fields to greenhouses. However, we recognize that in today's ever-changing landscape, simply supplying greenhouse structures is insufficient. Instead, we take full ownership of your commercial greenhouse project, leading every aspect of its lifecycle: from feasibility assessment and meticulous planning to seamless execution and ongoing after-sales support. We bring together a diverse team of experts, including agronomists, hydraulic specialists, construction and heating engineers, to ensure that every facet of your project is managed with the utmost professionalism. Our top-notch production and logistics facility enables us to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards and certifications. Our global expertise is combined with a solid local presence that supports you and your commercial greenhouse project for as long as needed. Furthermore, being part of the Orbia group of companies strengthen our foothold in key markets and allows us to better serve customers worldwide, providing localized service and customized solutions that address specific regional needs.”

According to Reuven, it is crucial to maintain a constant focus on the future and actively pursue new technologies that can provide farmers with stability. "The next generation of farmers is increasingly technologically oriented, approaching farming more as businesspeople rather than traditional farmers. They seek digital insights and reliable technology partners who can accompany them from the beginning to a successful outcome. For our customers to thrive, it requires a unified approach encompassing innovative technologies, energy and cost savings, yield improvements, and effective farm management solutions.”

Powering CEA with agronomic expertise
Gakon Netafim goes beyond being a construction company and brings added value through its extensive global experience in agriculture. "With over 160 agronomists located worldwide, we offer more than just a greenhouse construction solution. Our precision agriculture expertise enables us to develop the precise solution for your location's weather conditions and climate demands, in terms of structure, crop type, irrigation, and fertigation systems. Our integrated approach encompasses operational services, maintenance, and agronomical support and empowers growers with increased confidence and a higher degree of control over their operations, ultimately enhancing their chances of success."

"We’ve got you covered"
How does Netafim maintain unity within its extensive global workforce? "Despite having over 5,000 employees spread across the world, Netafim functions as a closely-knit family," explains Reuven. "Many of our team members have been with us for over a decade, some even longer. Regardless of their location, when you engage with our employees, you'll find a shared sense of purpose and a common language. We are all dedicated to being part of the journey towards achieving more with less, conserving water, protecting soil, and saving energy. Our employees understand the challenges faced by growers and actively contribute to developing tailored solutions. From designing systems to offering complex turn-key projects, we are committed to supporting growers every step of the way and driving food security around the world.”