The GreenGardens project, spearheaded by partners Matej Bandelj, Gregor Počivavšek, and Boštjan Bandlej, aims to bolster Slovenia’s self-sufficiency in vegetable production, particularly in lettuce. The country currently only meets 25% of its lettuce demand through domestic production, a figure that the GreenGardens initiative hopes to more than double to 53% by the time operations are fully underway. This substantial increase is expected to reduce Slovenia’s reliance on imports and ensure a more stable supply of fresh produce for its population.
High-Tech, Sustainable Production
One of the key highlights of the GreenGardens project is its commitment to sustainability and the use of renewable energy. The greenhouses will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to create a controlled environment that optimizes conditions such as heat, humidity, light, and nutrients, enabling year-round vegetable cultivation. Approximately 5 hectares will be dedicated to lettuce production, while the remaining 10 net hectares will be available for other growers interested in participating in this high-tech agricultural initiative.
The project will leverage a mix of geothermal and solar energy, utilizing the stable temperatures of underground water and advanced technological solutions to minimize its environmental footprint. Additionally, the complex will include infrastructure such as rainwater storage tanks, cold-storage units, and machine rooms to support the efficient operation of the greenhouses.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The GreenGardens project is not only a step forward for Slovenia’s agricultural sector but also a significant economic boost for the Prekmurje region. The construction and operation of the greenhouse complex are expected to create between 100 and 150 jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities in this rural area. The local community in Dobrovnik, which already hosts the greenhouses of orchid producer OceanOrchids, has welcomed the investment, recognizing the potential for economic growth and development.
Partnership and Financial Backing
The success of the GreenGardens project is supported by a partnership between several key players in Slovenia’s business and agricultural sectors. In addition to Bandelj and Počivavšek, the project involves Boštjan Bandlej, a prominent Slovenian entrepreneur and Manager of Belektron, a company specializing in carbon emission trading. This partnership underscores the importance of combining expertise in both agriculture and sustainable business practices to achieve long-term success.
The GreenGardens project represents a transformative step for Slovenia’s agricultural industry, aligning with global trends towards sustainable, high-tech farming practices. By significantly increasing the country’s self-sufficiency in vegetable production, particularly in lettuce, and creating new job opportunities, this €80 million investment is poised to deliver substantial benefits to both the local economy and the national food supply chain. As Slovenia moves closer to realizing this ambitious project, the GreenGardens initiative could serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance their agricultural capabilities in an environmentally responsible manner.
