DEVELOPING HIGHLY LUCRATIVE SMART CROP COVER MARKETS IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Set against a backdrop of climate uncertainty the global middle class is projected to grow by 3bn to 4.9bn by 2030 and with it demand for horticultural crops (fresh fruit & veg). The industry therefore requires constant technological innovation to address current & future challenges. One of the most under expoited components of protected cropping is the polyethylene covers used to cover crops worldwide which have changed little in 30 years. Based on two decades of photobiology research (science of how different types of light affect biological systems) pioneered in the UK and commercially developed by LIGHTWORKS POLY with Lancaster University we are now able to use our unique models to design the optical properties of next generation crop cover products to extend growing seasons, improve yields and quality and reduce chemcial inputs based on crop and location. Following success in Turkey the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian government has invited discussion with their industry aimed at achieving similar benefits there and this project will faciliate that and in so doing help develop highly lucrative contracts in this high margin region.