Introduction
In the past 100 years, the Dutch greenhouse industry has
spent millions in research and development to improve
greenhouse systems. Driven by the limited space
available in a small and densely populated country like
Holland, this research has already resulted in the
highest productivity results per sq. meter in the world.
Currently, the limiting factor to further increase
productivity is the scarce amount of sunlight in the
Netherlands.
The Dutch company Desert
Greenhouse BV (DGH) has developed a new greenhouse
concept to further improve productivity. Combining the
large experience on greenhouse know-how in Holland with
modern cooling- and climate technology, DGH has
developed a Greenhouse system especially designed for
hot and extreme climates. These greenhouses will benefit
from the amply available sunlight in ‘hot’ regions, and
will improve productivity by at least 60 % compared to
the best greenhouses in the Netherlands. Development and
testing of Desert Greenhouse systems have been carried
out since 2001. As from now, DGH’s technology is
commercially available.
Desert Greenhouse BV was
established by 4 existing companies, each having more
than 10 years experience in their respective fields of
construction and realization of greenhouse projects,
consultancy in crop growing optimization, energy
efficiency and international project- and business
development. Desert Greenhouse BV has the sole right to
commercialize the Desert Greenhouse concept.
The Concept
Desert Greenhouse combines technological
solutions and specific greenhouse knowledge into a
novel, closed and high-tech greenhouse system. Optimum
growing conditions in the greenhouse environment are
ensured by a total climate control system. Extensive
know-how on growing methods, plant behavior and yield
optimization is provided: greenhouses are managed by
DGH’s own specialists, supported by own cultivation
advisors.
 The
closed DGH-greenhouse is a high-tech facility,
optionally combined with a ‘water farm’ or sweet water
production unit. Special plastic foils are used to
filter sunlight, favoring ‘growing light’ frequencies
and blocking heat-generating (IR-) radiation. A specific
hot and cold air-distribution system, developed by DGH’s
own engineering department, combined with special
absorption coolers and air conditioners, provide full
climate control. Gas turbines or power engines generate
power.A typical Desert
Greenhouse Project will cover 20 hectares (50 acres). At
first, during the development phase, a feasibility study
is carried out. This includes identification of most
profitable crops, selection of business partners in the
overall value chain, financial aspects, permits,
specific local technical requirements and project
planning. In many cases, Desert Greenhouse BV can
arrange substantial external co-financing. A typical
Desert Greenhouse agri-company generates an annual
Return on Investment (ROI) of 25 % (minimum: 20 %).
Our Approach
The Desert Greenhouse franchise concept comes in 3
phases and includes the following products and services:
Project Development Phase
- Permits
- Site selection
- Basic engineering to local
climate and site conditions
- Contracts for sales and
marketing
- Feasibility study and project
specifications
- Financing of investments
Building Phase
- Detailed engineering of
greenhouses and installations
- Set-up and implementation of
greenhouses, energy plant and climate equipment
(turn key)
- Training of staff
Operations Phase
- Local management of
greenhouse operation (general and cultivation
management)
- Cultivation support
- On-line access to knowledge
bank
- Supply of the best seeds /
young plants, fertilizers etc.
- Maintenance of equipment
- Access to markets
- Quality improvement programs:
periodical analyses and advice
Our full service concept does not
only provide the best in greenhouse technology, but also
guarantees our active commitment during greenhouse
operation. This ensures optimum results of investments
made.
Opportunities
General food market characteristics show an increasing
need for higher
productivity per acre. As the world population is rapidly growing,
so are its
needs for food, leading to an increasing need for additional areas
and facilities
for food production. As economic prosperity grows in many regions,
the demand
for high quality food also increases. Statistics show growing
export and import
flows of horticultural produce (vegetables, fruits, flowers and
plants), with
transportation costs now forming a substantial part of cost prices.
These factors
provide new opportunities for agro-industrial business. Desert
Greenhouse
provides a very interesting solution to capitalize on these new
opportunities. We focus on business partners and
entrepreneurs who are willing to play a decisive role in
a new and rapidly growing form of high-quality
agricultural business.
|
