RDP project database
Greenhouse Installation for the Cultivation of Baby Leaf Vegetables
Summary
The project proposal comprises of the construction of a greenhouse and the installation of equipment for the production of baby leaf vegetables. It is expected that viable employment opportunities for young farmers in rural areas will be generated.
Background
Employment opportunities for young farmers in rural areas of Navarra have been scarce in the context of the current economic crisis. A group of young farmers has therefore decided to establish a limited company for the production of “baby leaf” vegetables. In order to be able to produce the whole year round, they decided to invest in the installation of a greenhouse.
Objective
The objective is to build a greenhouse and to use it for the cultivation and production of baby leaf vegetables (rocket, watercress, etc. used for the elaboration of gourmet salads). The overall aim is to equip the greenhouse with all the necessary equipment and installations, including irrigation facilities, for the cultivation of the vegetables.
Main activities
The main activities include the construction of 30 hectares of greenhouses, built on six units, and 1000 square metres of work space. The investment also includes irrigation facilities using water efficient irrigation techniques; the irrigation source will be a well that exists in the farm that will supply a pond constructed for rain water storage. Further investments include machinery (tractors, planning machines, etc.), greenhouse equipment and fencing.
Results & Benefits
The main result will be the capacity to produce baby leaf vegetables the whole year round. The farm will benefit from modern greenhouse installations and also up to date cultivation equipment. The company foresees also the creation of 28 employment posts in the short and medium term. This is a good example of a project that brings benefits to rural areas by enabling young farmers to engage in viable business activities.
Lessons learnt
The key lesson is that there are alternatives for young people in rural areas as long as there is creativity and determination. There are a lot of gains from cooperation as opposed to isolated individual projects and getting together to form a limited company that has contributed to make greenhouse production a feasible prospect. Support and advice from other businesses in the sector has also been a critical factor for setting up the unit.
Project location and other information
Cadreita municipality, Navarra.
Region
Navarra
RDP Territory
Navarra
Total project cost (€)
4 640 610
EAFRD contribution (€)
470 000
National contribution (€)
1 410 000
Private contribution (€)
2 760 610
Contact name
Sonia Fuentetaja González
Telephone
+34 848 42 66 36
Languages for contact
Spanish
At a glance
Country
Spain
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
04/04/2011
End Date:
01/10/2013
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Keywords:
Horticulture, Infrastructure, Irrigation, Employment, Young farmers
Last update
16/05/2012