Slovenia is set to enhance its agricultural landscape with the establishment of GreenGardens, a pioneering €80 million greenhouse complex slated to begin operations in 2026. Located in Prekmurje, northeast Slovenia, this ambitious project aims to revolutionize vegetable production through sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology.
The project, unveiled on June 27 in Dobrovnik, outlines plans to develop 22 hectares of greenhouses dedicated to year-round vegetable cultivation. Led by partners Matej Bandelj and Gregor Počivavšek, GreenGardens will focus on maximizing Slovenia’s vegetable self-sufficiency by an estimated 10%. A significant portion of the facility’s area, approximately 5 hectares, will be dedicated to lettuce cultivation, with the remaining 17 hectares available for other interested growers.
“By harnessing controlled environments optimized for heat, humidity, light, and nutrients, GreenGardens ensures optimal conditions for crop growth throughout the year,” stated Bandelj. The project’s design integrates renewable energy sources such as geothermal and solar power, leveraging underground water’s consistently low temperatures and advanced technological solutions.
Apart from production zones, the complex will feature rainwater storage tanks, paved transport areas, cold-storage units, machine rooms, and other technical facilities. The bilingual municipality of Dobrovnik, bordering Hungary and already home to successful greenhouse ventures, welcomes the development, anticipating the creation of 100 to 150 new jobs.
Forbes Slovenija highlights the involvement of three key partners: Matej Bandelj, Gregor Počivavšek, and Boštjan Bandlej, a prominent Slovenian entrepreneur and Manager of Belektron, specializing in carbon emission trading. The project aligns with Slovenia’s agricultural goals, aiming to increase lettuce self-sufficiency from 25% (2023) to a projected 53%.
