Stretching over 40,000 hectares near the Mediterranean coast, Almería’s greenhouse complex is the largest concentration of protected agriculture in the world. What began in 1959 with a single low-cost greenhouse, inspired by Belgian designs, has evolved into a €2.5 billion industry, supplying 40% of Europe’s fresh vegetables (FAO, 2023).
Feeding a Continent Year-Round
Almería’s greenhouses yield 2.5 to 3.5 million tons of produce annually, with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers leading exports. The region accounts for 60% of Spain’s total vegetable exports, shipping over 1.2 million tons abroad (Eurostat, 2023). Thanks to year-round production, European supermarkets stay stocked even in winter.
Climate Impact and Sustainability Innovations
While critics highlight water use and plastic waste, Almería’s greenhouses have an unexpected climatic effect: a localized cooling of 0.3°C per decade due to solar reflection (University of Almería, 2022). Farmers now adopt drip irrigation (saving 30% water), biocontrol pests (reducing pesticides by 50%), and recyclable plastic films. Over 75% of greenhouses use renewable energy, cutting carbon footprints (IFAPA, 2023).
Almería’s “sea of plastic” is a paradox—a high-yield agricultural powerhouse facing sustainability challenges. Yet, its innovations in water efficiency, renewable energy, and waste management set a benchmark for climate-resilient farming. As global demand for food rises, Almería’s model offers lessons in scaling production sustainably.
