Published on 04/05/2026
The global leafy greens sector continues to evolve as growers adapt to increasing climate variability, resource constraints, and market demand for consistent, high-quality produce. Hydroponic and controlled environment systems have become key tools in addressing these challenges, offering greater control over crop conditions and enabling year-round production closer to consumers.
However, as these systems scale, the complexity of production increases. Success is no longer defined by individual technologies alone, but by how effectively different components, such as greenhouse design, crop strategy, lighting, climate control, automation, and post-harvest handling, are integrated into a cohesive and efficient operation.
This shift toward system-level thinking is reflected in the Day 1 agenda of the Leafy Hydroponics Summit (LHS) 2026, which has now been released.
Now in its third edition, the Leafy Hydroponics Summit brings together commercial growers, investors, and selected industry partners for focused discussions on the practical realities of hydroponic leafy greens production. The 2026 program emphasizes the transition from innovation to implementation, addressing both strategic and operational aspects of scaling production.
The first day of the summit will cover the full lifecycle of a hydroponic leafy greens operation. Sessions will explore topics ranging from project planning and greenhouse development to daily cultivation practices and system optimization. Industry experts will share insights on LED lighting strategies, floating systems, climate and process control, and the role of automation in improving efficiency and consistency.
In addition to technical sessions, the program includes discussions on value chain integration, including packaging and handling, as well as a panel session bringing together different perspectives from across the industry.
The agenda also features a series of innovation-focused presentations, including the introduction of the Leafy Hydroponic Consortium, an initiative aimed at bringing research closer to real-world growing conditions, and new developments in plant sensing and nutrient management.
While Day 1 focuses on strategic and technical content, the agenda for Day 2 will be published soon and will center on on-site visits to leading greenhouse operations and research facilities, offering participants a closer look at hydroponic leafy greens production in practice.
The Leafy Hydroponics Summit is designed as an invitation-only event to ensure high-quality interaction and focused discussions. With limited capacity, the event targets professionals actively involved in commercial leafy greens production and related investment.
The Cultivators team is currently finalizing the remaining details of the program and looks forward to welcoming a strong group of growers and industry professionals to this year’s summit. Those interested in joining are encouraged to request participation soon, as availability is limited. More information and registration can be found via the official event page: https://www.cultivators.nl/leafy-hydroponics-summit/
For any questions, feel free to reach out via the contact form — the team will be happy to assist.