#GreenhouseFarming #SustainableAgriculture #LocalProduce #InnovationInFarming #TomatoCultivation #AgriculturalSustainability
In the heart of Frövi, a remarkable project is underway to transform tomato cultivation in Sweden. The ambitious plan involves a sprawling 10-hectare greenhouse set to produce a staggering 8,000 tons of tomatoes annually. This venture, led by Wa3rm and cultivated by the Dutch company Foodventures, marks a significant shift in the region’s agricultural landscape.
Utilizing Residual Heat for Sustainability
One of the key factors making this project viable is the use of residual heat from Billerud’s paper mill. Ingrid Schuster, head of the project management office at Wa3rm, highlights the crucial role this heat plays in the venture. While the temperature of the heat is unsuitable for the district heating network, it proves ideal for warming the greenhouse efficiently.
“Access to this residual heat is an essential factor in making the project economically feasible. Running a greenhouse of this scale in this location without such a heat source would be prohibitively expensive,” explains Schuster.
Expanding Horizons with Additional Greenhouses
Originally planned for shrimp cultivation, the vacant land will now host not just one but two tomato greenhouses. Each greenhouse aims to contribute another 8,000 tons of tomatoes annually, further emphasizing the commitment to meeting local demand for fresh, domestically produced vegetables.
The Frövi greenhouse project stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing the marriage of technology and agriculture for sustainable, locally-driven food production. By leveraging residual heat, the initiative not only becomes economically viable but also reduces its environmental footprint. As the first tomatoes are set to ripen by summer, the venture signifies a step toward more sustainable and self-reliant agricultural practices in Sweden.
