Greenhouse managers and growers continue to navigate challenges such as climate variations, rising energy costs, and increasing consumer demand for local fresh produce — especially berries — all year round. Consumers also want more transparency about where their food comes from and how it’s grown.
The key greenhouse trends for 2025 focus on reducing operating costs, improving predictability, and increasing greenhouse autonomy.
Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) spans a broad spectrum, from low-tech high tunnels to fully automated, semi-closed, and fully enclosed greenhouse systems. However, too often, investors and financial institutions equate CEA solely with Vertical Farming (VF), overlooking that poly greenhouses are more economical, offer higher crop density, and typically result in better product quality — and they use the sun.
Greenhouse Trends 2025: What Harnois Observes in CEA
1. Improving Existing Greenhouse Facilities
Many growers prefer to enhance their existing greenhouse operations rather than starting from scratch. Some choose to expand, while others upgrade infrastructure or add new technology to boost efficiency and output.
Why upgrading greenhouses makes sense:
- Rebuilding smartly: Modern engineering standards, larger structures, and better climate management make it beneficial to rebuild existing sites if space is at a premium. Retrofitting for efficiency: Upgraded ventilation, lighting, and heating systems allow older greenhouses to perform at high levels without massive capital investment. Smarter climate control: Precision management of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ reduces energy waste while improving yields. Automation drives results: Integrating data analytics and labour-saving technology helps growers make better decisions faster. Learn more about 7 reasons to automate your greenhouse operations.
Doing more with what you already have is often the smartest path forward.
2. Better Resource Management
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. Greenhouse operations are reducing water consumption and chemical usage while turning to localized suppliers to cut carbon footprints. New technologies, such as durable poly materials and energy-efficient solutions, are making a real difference.
Struggling to find and keep qualified staff? Read our guide on mentoring as a solution to greenhouse labour challenges.
Steps toward sustainability:
- Renewable energy adoption: While growers are eager to move away from fossil fuels, integrating new energy sources (solar, wind, electric heat pumps) remains costly but increasingly viable.
- Heat recovery systems: Capturing and redistributing heat cuts energy costs and emissions. Some operations, like VegPro International, have already implemented AI-driven thermal battery systems for climate management.
- Sustainable materials: Manufacturing greenhouses using locally sourced materials (within 100 km) significantly reduces carbon footprints.
- Water recirculation: Closed-loop irrigation and drip systems reduce water waste while ensuring crops receive precisely what they need.
Cutting environmental impact doesn’t mean sacrificing yield—it just means growing smarter.
3. Soilless Growing Systems
Hydroponics and other soilless systems are no longer a niche — they’re shaping the future of agriculture. These methods enable high-quality crop production while using fewer resources, making them an increasingly popular choice among the greenhouse trends for 2025.
Why soilless farming is on the rise:
- Water efficiency: Hydroponic and aeroponic systems use up to 90% less water than traditional soil farming.
- Precision nutrient delivery: Direct-to-root nutrient application reduces waste and maximizes plant health.
- Year-round production: These systems eliminate reliance on soil and weather, ensuring a consistent fresh produce supply.
- Pest-free media: Reducing the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases lowers the need for chemical interventions.
Industry leaders driving innovation:
- Blackmore Company: The Air Tray® enhances root airflow and pruning, optimizing container-based production.
- American Hydroponics (AmHydro): Experts in hydroponic systems that reduce resource consumption.
- DuBois Agrinovation: Dubois Agrinovation is proud to be North America’s leading provider of horticultural solutions and custom irrigation systems for farmers and home gardeners.
- Viemose DGS: Modern engineering house concerned with the development and manufacturing of exceptional and up-to-date products, technology and practices for the horticultural greenhouse industry.
4. Open-Field Transitioning to CEA with High Tunnels Greenhouses
Traditional open-field farmers are realizing the benefits of protected agriculture. High tunnels offer an entry point into CEA, providing enhanced control without the high costs of fully enclosed greenhouses.
Why high tunnels are gaining popularity:
- Longer growing seasons: Extends planting and harvesting up to three months, protecting crops from frost and extreme weather.
- Better crop protection: Reduces wind, rain, and hail damage while improving quality and yield.
- Lower pesticide use: Fewer pest and disease issues lead to healthier crops with fewer chemicals.
- Operational efficiency: Higher planting density and labour optimization improve production efficiency.
- Affordable entry into CEA: At around $2/sqft., high tunnels provide many benefits of controlled agriculture at a fraction of the high-tech commercial greenhouse cost.
As weather unpredictability increases, high tunnels offer a cost-effective way for farmers to improve predictability and yields.
The Future of Greenhouse Trends: CEA in 2025 and Beyond
The most important greenhouse trends for 2025 point to the same conclusion: sustainability, efficiency, and adaptability are no longer optional. The focus is on optimizing proven techniques, leveraging new technology, and making sustainable production the industry standard.
By upgrading existing facilities, adopting renewable energy, expanding soilless growing, and increasing high tunnel use, the agricultural industry is building a smarter, more resilient future. Whether you’re managing a large-scale commercial operation or transitioning from open-field farming, the tools and strategies exist today to grow more with less. Explore our full range of commercial greenhouse structures to find the right fit for your operation.
Why Choose Harnois Greenhouses?
Our structures are proudly built in North America, ensuring fast delivery across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. With an extensive network of installers and after-sales support, we provide expert service from installation to ongoing maintenance.
Whether you’re looking for greenhouse structures, equipment solutions, or full engineering and capabilities, we have you covered.
Let’s Grow the Future Together
Are you looking to improve your operation with cutting-edge greenhouse solutions? Contact us today to explore how we can help you grow smarter in 2025 and beyond.
