Priva and TriEst Ag partner to advance CEA, field practices

Priva partners with TriEst Ag Group to bring advanced irrigation and climate management solutions to traditional field farming practices. 

Priva, a solutions provider for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), announced its collaboration with TriEst Ag Group, which underscores Priva’s commitment to advancing innovations both in traditional field agriculture and in controlled environment agriculture. 

In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and the need for sustainable farming practices, farmers are turning to protective structures such as tunnels and greenhouses to enhance their agricultural productivity. These methods not only increase quality and yields but also significantly reduce water and fertilizer usage, providing a robust solution to modern farming challenges. 

“Partnering with Priva allows us to offer our customers cutting-edge technology in climate and water management,” explains Kevin Bryan, head of TriEst protected ag division. “TriEst customers are taking notice of these modern farming techniques, which provide greater assurance and security for their farming businesses. Together, we are driving innovation and sustainability in agriculture, ensuring that our clients can thrive in an ever-changing environment.” 

Tunnels and greenhouses create controlled environments that shield crops from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. By maintaining optimal temperatures, humidity levels, and light exposure, these structures enable crops to grow in ideal conditions year-round. This protection results in higher yields and superior quality produce, which is less likely to be damaged by external factors. 

Water conservation is a critical concern in modern agriculture. Greenhouses and tunnels utilize irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, which deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. This method reduces water usage significantly compared to traditional field farming. Additionally, the enclosed environment of these structures allows for precise control of fertilizer application, ensuring nutrients are used efficiently and reducing the risk of leaching into the surrounding soil. 

With climate change causing more frequent and severe weather events, the ability to protect crops from unpredictable conditions is invaluable. Tunnels and greenhouses provide a buffer against extreme temperatures, heavy rains, and strong winds, safeguarding crops from potential damage. This stability allows farmers to plan and manage their production cycles more effectively, ensuring consistent supply to meet market demands. “A prime example of why protecting crops from unpredictable conditions is invaluable is a strawberry grower who must supply 5-10% organic berries to fulfill their contract with a retailer,” explains Andrew Brooks, business development manager at Priva. “Organic farming often requires more manual labor for tasks like weeding, pest control, and harvesting. Strawberries are already sensitive to weather conditions, and excessive rain can easily wipe out 50% of an organic crop.” 

While the initial investment in tunnels or greenhouses can be substantial, the long-term economic benefits are significant. Higher yields and better-quality produce translate to increased market value and profitability. Moreover, reduced input costs for water and fertilizers contribute to overall savings, making these structures a financially viable option for forward-thinking farmers. In conclusion, adopting tunnels and greenhouses is a smart strategy for farmers aiming to improve their crop yield, reduce resource usage, and protect their investments from the uncertainties of climate change. These structures represent a modern approach to sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security and profitability for years to come.