Published on 20/01/2026
Insights and practical takeaways from the Cultivators-led workshop at GreenTech Americas 2026
Latin America is one of the most dynamic horticultural regions in the world. With a strong food culture, fast-growing urban populations, and an increasing focus on food quality and availability, leafy greens play a central role on the plate and in the market. At the same time, growers across the region are navigating a changing reality: more climate variability, rising input costs, pressure on water resources, and the need to supply consistent volumes of high-quality produce throughout the year.
Hydroponic leafy greens are gaining momentum as a practical and scalable response to these challenges. Lettuce, spinach, arugula, watercress, and baby leaf mixes are already widely consumed across Latin America, with strong similarities between countries driven by retail demand, foodservice standards, and export opportunities. These crops are particularly well-suited to hydroponic systems thanks to their short cycles, predictable performance, and ability to deliver uniform quality close to consumer markets.
While open-field production still dominates in most countries, hydroponic cultivation is growing steadily, especially around major urban centers in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Growers are looking for ways to reduce climate risk, stabilize yields, improve food safety, and make more efficient use of water and space. At the same time, many are asking the same questions: which technology level makes sense, how to avoid costly design mistakes, how to align production with market demand, and how to build a business model that truly works in local conditions.
It is exactly at this intersection of opportunity and complexity that the Hydroponic Leafy Greens Workshop at GreenTech Americas takes place.
In the photo, Sonny Moerenhout is presenting at the workshop in GreenTech Americas 2025
On 24 March 2026, from 08:30 to 11:00, Cultivators, together with GreenTech Americas, will host for the second time a dedicated workshop in Querétaro, Mexico:
Hydroponic Leafy Greens in Latin America: From Greenhouse Design to Market Success (Session in English)
After a successful first edition in 2025, this second-year workshop builds on growing interest from across the region. The goal remains clear: to create an open, practical, and high-value session where growers, investors, and project developers can learn from real experience and openly discuss what works, what does not, and why.
Cultivators is leading this workshop because we strongly believe in the future of horticulture in Latin America. Through our work with clients across multiple regions and climates, we have seen how valuable it is to start with the right foundations. Not by copying models blindly, but by adapting proven principles to local realities. Our role in this workshop is not to instruct, but to support, share lessons learned, and help growers and project teams avoid common pitfalls as they enter or scale hydroponic leafy greens production. We see Latin America as a key region for the future of global horticulture, and we are enthusiastic about being part of that transition together.
08:30 – Welcome & Coffee
08:40 – Opening
08:50–09:20 – Cultivators
Sonny Moerenhout, Managing Partner
The Business of Hydroponic Leafy Greens: Tech Levels, Costs, and Market-Ready Models for Latin America
A clear overview of different technology levels, investment considerations, and business models that fit the realities of Latin American markets.
09:20–09:50 – Rijk Zwaan
Marc Celis, Hydroponic Specialist Lettuce
Damion Schwarzkachel, Global Client Manager Horticultural Projects
Hydroponic Leafy Greens: From Market Reality to System Design
How market requirements, variety choice, and system design come together to create successful leafy greens projects.
09:50–10:20 – VB
Nanne Bentvelzen, Technical Sales Manager Export
Fully Automated High-Tech Leafy Greens Greenhouse Projects: End-to-End Automation, Precision Climate Control, High Hygiene Standards, USDA-Ready and Built for US Trade
An inside look at high-tech greenhouse concepts, automation, and hygiene standards for professional leafy greens production.
10:20–10:50 – Flier Systems
Ad Kranendonk, Commercial Director
How Automation Makes Indoor Lettuce Production Profitable
Practical insights into automation strategies that improve efficiency, reduce labor pressure, and support long-term profitability.
10:50–11:00 – Closing Statement and Final Q&A
This workshop is designed for growers, project developers, investors, and technology providers who want to move from interest to action in hydroponic leafy greens.
You will gain:
Please note that seats for this workshop are limited.
To ensure meaningful discussion and interaction, the number of participants is capped. If you are considering entering or expanding hydroponic leafy greens production, this is a session you will want to secure early.
Register today via this link to confirm your place at the workshop and at GreenTech Americas. Looking forward to seeing you there!
For any questions regarding the workshop, feel free to reach out to Nicole Kuleshova Shalumov, the Operations & Marketing Manager at Cultivators, at nicole@cultivators.nl
