Glasshouse vs. Field-Grown Produce: What You Need to Know

When choosing fresh produce, have you ever considered the difference between glasshouse-grown and field-grown crops? This month, we’re diving into the key distinctions and benefits, with a focus on sustainability. Understanding these factors allows consumers to make informed decisions that align with quality, environmental impact, and food security.

To provide expert insights, we spoke with Graeme Smith, Founder of Graeme Smith Consulting. With extensive experience in controlled-environment agriculture, Graeme offers valuable perspectives on how glasshouse farming is revolutionising the industry.

Enhanced Quality and Yield

Glasshouses provide a controlled environment where temperature, humidity, and light are carefully regulated. This enables year-round production of high-quality produce, unaffected by external weather conditions. As a result, we achieve less than 2% waste. In contrast, field-grown crops are exposed to unpredictable weather, leading to inconsistent quality and yield. Glasshouses can produce up to 80 kilograms per square meter—up to 11 times more than traditional field farming.

Optimised Water Usage

In a world where water conservation is critical, glasshouse farming is significantly more efficient. We use advanced irrigation systems that deliver precise amounts of water directly to plant roots, minimising waste.

Graeme Smith from Graeme Smith Consulting adds: “Compared to traditional field farming, which often relies on less efficient watering methods, production in a glasshouse uses up to five times less water with full nutrient recycling of water and fertiliser, therefore avoiding damaging impacts on the natural environment.”

Pest and Disease Management

Field-grown crops are vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases, often requiring chemical interventions. In glasshouses, we create a protective barrier against these threats, utilising integrated pest and disease management systems to significantly reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Graeme shares: “A key example of this approach is where we use beneficial insects to predate on key plant pests, thereby avoiding harsh chemical solutions.”

Leveraging Innovation

As an industry leader, Flavorite is committed to continuous innovation in agricultural technology. Our glasshouses feature cutting-edge systems, from automated climate control to innovative growing techniques, ensuring we remain at the forefront of sustainable food production.

Graeme further highlights: “Glasshouses harvest light, and how we use this light sets us apart from other vegetable producers. This allows us to optimise yield, quality, and produce uniformity that is efficient, safe, and reliable. Our facilities showcase the modern face of horticulture, offering 12 months of employment, significant investment, and enhanced food security for the state of Victoria.”

At Flavorite, we believe that glasshouse farming is shaping the future of fresh produce—delivering consistent quality while prioritising sustainability and food security. When you choose glasshouse-grown, you’re choosing smarter, more sustainable agriculture.