A modern greenhouse is being built at Muru tn 5 in Jõgeva township. The building is divided into nine different sections and will have an automatic irrigation system and lighting. The building will replace two technically obsolete and decrepit greenhouses. The new greenhouse is both energy and surface efficient.
"Plant breeding is important. We all saw and experienced the damage this summer's difficult weather conditions caused to the agricultural sector. We need to better prepare ourselves for the instances of recurring of similar situations, and, among other things, we need new varieties that can withstand changing climate conditions. Food production in Estonia must stay strong, and for this purpose the establishment of a greenhouse contributing to METK's plant breeding is a very right and necessary step," said regional minister Madis Kallas.
"The new greenhouse makes it possible to carry out research throughout the winter, and thanks to this we can reach new varieties faster," stated Andre Veskioja, director of the Center of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge.
Indrek Henk, project director of Riigi Kinnisvara AS, noted that Venlo-type greenhouses are often used both in research activities and in commercial cultivation, where a large and flexible growing area is needed. "Since the building has a modular structure, it is easy to adapt it to the grower's needs. I hope that the modern conditions will give a good boost to the breeding activities and that the plant breeding will gain strength and also room for growth."
The Venlo-type greenhouse of the Center of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge will be completed in January 2024. The surface area of the building is 1731 m2, and depending on the season, 6-20 employees will be able to work there at the same time. The total cost of the project is 1.7 million euros, plus VAT.
The building has been designed by OÜ Agorek, Dreibau OÜ and OÜ Arens Ehitustööd, the construction is carried out by Dreibau OÜ and OÜ Arens Ehitustööd, and the owner supervision is being conducted by Keskkonnaprojekt OÜ.
The Center of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) is an institution that started its operation this year, which combines all the tasks of the Estonian Crop Research Institute and the Agricultural Research Center.
The construction of the greenhouse is financed by the Estonian Rural Development Plan (ERDP) 2014–2020 with investment grant for improving the performance of agricultural enterprises to a state institution managed by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. The state supports the establishment from the income from trading in greenhouse gas emission allowances.
