In recent years, (almost) closed energy-saving greenhouses have been developed. The introduction of these greenhouse systems proceeds slowly: a small group of no more than 10 growers have invested in these systems. Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture and LEI investigate to what extent managerial competences play a role in this adoption process.
The first results show that many growers from the group just following these 10 pioneers, the so-called 'early adopters', are including closed and semi-closed greenhouses in their long-term vision. Further analysis will have to show why concrete action has not yet materialized. Risk assessment seems to be an important factor in view of the expressed uncertainty about techniques and efficiencies. Furthermore, many growers seem to prefer investment in so-called total energy installations to control energy costs.