A. Drottberger¹, K.-J. Bergstrand¹, F. Fernqvist² and S. Spendrup^2
1 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biosystems and Technology, Lomma, Sweden
² Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of People and Society, Lomma, Sweden

SUMMARY Leafy vegetable production represents high commodity and trade values. Consumption has increased, and will continue doing so according to trading operators. This study examined production of leafy vegetables in different systems and adoption of technological innovations from the firms’ perspective. A qualitative approach was applied to investigate technological innovation adoption in three different production systems: open-field, greenhouse and plant factories with artificial lighting (PFAL). Fifteen owners/managers (five per production system) were interviewed, using semi-structured questions. The firms differed in individual business characteristics and in their decisions to adopt innovations and knowledge. Open-field growers focused on packaging and automation. Growers with closed production systems (greenhouses) were more interested in energy-saving technologies, recirculation of irrigation water and LED lighting. Growers with PFAL systems opted for vertical farming, hydroponic growing techniques and LED lighting. Sources of knowledge on innovations included networks, the internet, international contacts, trade shows, extension services and universities. Overall, adoption of innovations largely depended on what suited the production system. Open-field and greenhouse firms were more interested in new technologies, but certain characteristics in their current systems determined whether an innovation was appropriate. Firms interested in new technologies actively searched for best practice using knowledge inputs from multiple sources. Keywords greenhouse, horticulture, hydroponics, innovation, LED lighting, plant factory, urban agriculture, vertical farming

Significance of this study What is already known on this subject? Studies often focus on environmental or technological aspects of one production system. Research on PFAL systems highlights efficient use of natural resources, but PFAL have higher energy needs and production costs. What are the new findings? Comparison of different production systems showed that adoption of technological innovations is highly dependent on what suits the specific production system. Firms in all production systems use a wide range of sources to obtain knowledge, but operate in different social contexts, backgrounds and networks. PFAL systems often use shorter supply chains. What is the expected impact on horticulture? Awareness of adoption of technological innovations and knowledge uptake in different leafy vegetable production systems can improve business strategy development and decision-making on acquisition of innovations and knowledge in horticultural firms.

E-mail: annie.drottberger@slu.se  

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Received: 18 May 2021 | Accepted: 31 March 2022 | Published: 9 September 2022 | Available online: 9 September 2022