CULTIVATORS PRESENTS

Leafy Hydroponic Consortium

Advancing the Future of Hydroponic Leafy Green Production

The Leafy Hydroponics Consortium is a multi-year research initiative led by Cultivators and executed at PSKW, bringing together leading industry partners to develop, test, and validate next-generation greenhouse hydroponic growing systems for leafy crops.

Through high-tech trials, real-world system validation, and intensive knowledge sharing, the consortium aims to unlock higher yields, superior quality, improved sustainability, and optimized production strategies for growers worldwide.

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About the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium

Launched in 2026, the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium is a collaborative, multi-year research platform uniting leading breeders, technology providers, system designers, and cultivation specialists to accelerate innovation in greenhouse leafy crop production.

By combining expertise in genetics, lighting, substrates, irrigation, climate control, data, and greenhouse engineering, the consortium develops data-driven solutions to address the technical and operational challenges faced by leafy green growers worldwide.

The research is conducted in a high-tech greenhouse compartment using a Mobile Gutter System (MGS), enabling trials across a wide range of crop types, from corn lettuce and spinach to baby leaf, teen leaf, rucola, and full-head lettuce. This flexible infrastructure allows realistic, commercially relevant testing under controlled and repeatable conditions.

Purpose & Impact

The consortium was established to generate validated insights through structured, applied research that directly supports commercial-scale decision-making. By working in a multi-partner framework, complex production challenges can be addressed more efficiently, faster, and at a higher technical level than would be possible in isolated trials.

Through long-term experimentation, data collection, and knowledge sharing, the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable, efficient, and high-quality leafy crop production, supporting growers worldwide in improving yield, quality, predictability, and profitability.

Our Partners

The consortium is powered by a strong group of international partners, covering every critical aspect of hydroponic cultivation, from breeding and lighting to substrates, systems, and data control.

Cultivators

Consortium Lead

Cultivators is a specialized consultancy for hydroponic leafy greens and CEA; helping growers, investors, and suppliers with strategic advice, applied research, and operational improvement, while initiating and managing international research projects and industry collaborations.

Developer of natural and probiotic products that enhance plant health and microbiological balance in horticulture.

JB Groep

Supporting Partner

o A Dutch technology company specializing in pumps, misting, filtration, and water treatment solutions for horticulture, industry, and construction.

Research Approach, Knowledge Creation & Industry Impact

Our research program combines:

High-tech greenhouse trial compartments
Modular gutter and cultivation systems
Advanced LED lighting strategies
Precision irrigation and substrate control
Comprehensive crop monitoring and data analysis

This integrated approach enables systematic testing of cultivation strategies, delivering actionable insights directly applicable in commercial greenhouse operations.

The consortium translates experimental results into actionable cultivation strategies, practical guidelines, and system-level insights. Non-confidential outcomes are actively shared with the industry through technical publications, presentations, and digital channels, contributing to continuous improvement across controlled environment agriculture.

The consortium actively shares its findings through different media platforms (articles, posts, etc.), as well as presentations at leading global events, including GreenTech Amsterdam and the Leafy Hydroponics Summit 2026. Our goal is to transform research into practical tools that help growers optimize yield, quality, and sustainability.
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Relevant Articles

Cultivators Launches the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium to Drive Global Innovation in Leafy Green Production

Published on 16-03-2026

Why Leafy Greens Are Rapidly Moving Indoors – and What This Means for Growers

Published on 16-02-2026

Hydroponic Leafy Greens in Latin America: How Growers Can Build Profitable, Future-Ready Production

Published on 20-01-2026

FAQ

Is the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium open for new partners?

The consortium is currently operating as a closed, partner-driven research platform. New partnerships are evaluated selectively, based on strategic alignment, technical contribution, and long-term research value.

Can companies visit the trial facility or participate in trials?

Trial facilities and experimental programs are accessible exclusively to consortium partners and/or their approved guests. This ensures research continuity, data integrity, and intellectual property protection. Would you like to visit? Please reach out via the contact form and we will check possibilities.

Are research results publicly available?

cNon-confidential insights and general learnings are shared via publications, presentations, and digital channels. Partner-specific data, proprietary findings, and protected innovations remain confidential.

What crops and systems are being researched?

Research focuses on hydroponic greenhouse production of leafy crops, including spinach, lettuce types, baby leaf crops, rucola, corn lettuce, and teen leaf production systems, using advanced climate, lighting, and irrigation strategies.

Who coordinates and manages the consortium?

The consortium is coordinated and managed by Cultivators, responsible for research design, partner alignment, trial execution oversight, and program integration.

A Selective Research Initiative

The Leafy Hydroponics Consortium operates as a closed, partner-driven research platform focused on accelerating innovation in controlled-environment leafy crop production.

To stay informed about our progress, results, and industry insights: Connect on LinkedIn

If you have specific strategic or research-related inquiries, you may contact us using this form.

nicole@cultivators.nl
+31 6 29905847
Research location - PSKW
Duffelsesteenweg 101
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver
Belgium

Leafy Hydroponic Consortium

Advancing the Future of Hydroponic Leafy Green Production

About the Leafy Hydroponics Consortium

Purpose & Impact

Our Partners

Cultivators

Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt

Rijk Zwaan

Enza Zaden

Hortiplan

Signify

Grodan

Ellepot

LetsGrow.com

Ammerlaan Construction

Svensson

Roam Technology

Delgeco