Agricultural production in Navarre has historically been primarily cereal-based; however, this trend has been declining in recent years. Joining the European Union brought about a substantial change in the traditional use of Navarrese agricultural land. Since then, the low profit margins for dryland crops, the increase in irrigated land thanks to the development of new infrastructure, and the robust agri-food industry established in the region have all contributed to the gradual rise in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
In recent years, a significant number of producers in Navarre are moving away from traditional intensive agriculture in favor of new farming methods and higher value-added products. Protected cultivation has played a fundamental role in this evolution, and the Navarrese company IMA-MSC Greenhouses, with extensive experience in Spain and abroad, has already implemented several projects originating in the Navarre region. These projects now operate as fully-fledged agricultural businesses, producing vegetables of the required quality regularly and with guaranteed results. Tomato, pepper, lettuce, and small-leafed vegetable farms are operating at full capacity in IMA-MSC greenhouses. The company has also built structures outside of Navarre to house other crops such as watermelons, melons, and a wide variety of other vegetables.
Pest control and protection from external factors such as temperature, rain, and even wind are the most obvious benefits of protected cultivation. And although it requires a greater investment from producers, the medium- and long-term results in terms of increased production and improved final crop quality justify the choice of this option.
Some growers combine greenhouse cultivation during the colder months with outdoor cultivation during the summer months. This allows them to harvest at least two crops in a single annual production cycle. While this practice is becoming increasingly common, IMA-MSC emphasizes to its clients the need to go a step further in their efforts to build truly successful agricultural businesses. To achieve this, combining greenhouses with shade netting is advisable. Greenhouses provide greater protection and temperature control, making them essential during the colder months. Shade netting, on the other hand, is best suited for the warmer months, as it mitigates high levels of solar radiation on the crops and ensures greater control over external factors such as rain, wind, and hail, which can damage harvests even during the summer months. Shade netting, a covering structure still unfamiliar to many, is becoming a solution for the future of summer crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and even melons and watermelons, to name a few. Firstly, thanks to the protection provided by the netting, a higher quality fruit is harvested, with less damage and a shinier appearance, which will fetch a better price on the market. And secondly, the permanent structure allows crops that normally require trellises to be hung from it, resulting in significant savings of time and money.