Rabobank’s Global Greenhouse Update 2026 reveals an industry sector increasing dominated by government interest in boosting food self-sufficiency, reducing climate risks, and adopting technical advances.
“The global greenhouse sector continues to adjust to new challenges and long-term trends,” commented Rabobank Senior Specialist for Fresh produce Lambert van Horen. “Across markets, governments are placing greater emphasis on domestic production, a trend accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns about food security. As more countries seek to approach self-sufficiency in fresh vegetables, investment in greenhouse capacity is expected to rise, even while short-term growth expectations among global suppliers have become more cautious.”
He added, “At the same time, crop portfolios are evolving. While tomatoes remain the backbone of protected high-tech horticulture, strawberries and leafy greens are emerging as key growth categories. Experiments and trials with alternative crops continue to expand, though commercial breakthroughs remain distant.”
He explained that structural shifts in production are also being driven by energy and technology. “The rapid build-out of data centres could open the door to new synergies, such as using residual heat in greenhouse clusters,” said Lambert. “Meanwhile, robotisation is accelerating, with picking and harvesting technologies advancing first due to their repetitive nature and strong business case. Looking ahead, climate change stands out as a defining challenge. More extreme weather, shifting crop suitability, and rising pest and disease pressures will likely prompt investments in climate adaptation measures at plant, farm, supply chain, and country levels.”
In terms of specific regional developments, the report points out that Canadian and Mexican production is increasing as the US becomes less self‑sufficient in key vegetables. Closer to home Morocco is challenging Spanish greenhouse vegetable production while the Dutch industry continues to consolidate. Further afield, China’s greenhouse area has doubled over the last 12 years.
“Overall, 2026 marks a period in which self-sufficiency, the energy transition, technological adoption, and climate pressure converge, creating both challenges and new avenues for innovation and growth for the global greenhouse industry,” concluded Lambert.
