The agriculture of the future must be sustainable, healthy, competitive, and profitable. As the need to produce more and better food for a growing population increases, the agri-food sector must become more efficient while remaining sustainable. Therefore, agriculture must guarantee higher productivity and profitability using fewer resources, especially those that are scarce.
What is sustainable agriculture?
It is an environmentally friendly, resource-conserving, and economically viable agricultural production system. Its principles aim to:
- Meet the healthy food needs of the population.
- Preserve natural resources.
- Use agricultural resources and non-renewable energy efficiently.
- Support rural economic development and the quality of life of farmers.
It is more in line with the needs of modern society, which demands more sustainable and less aggressive production methods for the environment.
To achieve this, it relies on tools such as:
- Technological tools (precision agriculture).
- Integrated pest management.
- New and more resistant varieties.
Efficiency in the use of fertilizers and organic amendments, water and energy, integrated pest management, the development of new varieties, as well as precision agriculture, are essential to achieving a sustainable production model that combines value and employment generation with the socio-economic viability of farms and respect for the environment.
What is protected agriculture, and what are its benefits?
Protected agriculture is a technique that allows for controlled plant growth under protective structures (greenhouses, shade houses), providing greater control over the microclimate.
There are many advantages to this production system, including:
- Promoting controlled crop growth.
- Optimizing resources: reduce water irrigation and agrochemical consumption.
- Supporting biological control through the release of beneficial insects.
- Increase yields, with fruits more homogeneous in color and size.
- Protecting against inclement weather and pest insects.
The success of biological control in these systems depends on adopting certain measures related to greenhouse structures, such as insulation conditions, appropriate anti-insects netting, and double doors that prevent the entry of pest insects and disease vectors.
Fuentes: https://eos.com/, https://www.phytoma.com/