Assessing the economic efficiency of a soilless culture system for off-season strawberry production

Abstract

The financial effectiveness of a soilless vertical bag system of hydroponics culture was evaluated for off-season strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch) production in heated greenhouses in northern Greece. Financial analysis revealed that the implementation of this soilless culture system instead of the traditional production system under plastic tunnels would not be profitable for Greek farmers due to its high initial investment and high fuel consumption. Sensitivity analysis indicated the importance of product price in affecting the magnitude of benefits, confirming the interest of farmers to produce off-season strawberries to market them when prices are likely to be higher. In addition, yield increase will have a positive effect upon farmers' income.