Imagine juicy, sweet, and especially Slovak fruits and vegetables on your table all year round. This dream has become a reality thanks to the pioneering approach of the founders of Beri Farm in the south of Slovakia. They were inspired by Iceland—a country where harsh winter conditions and lack of sunlight do not hinder the cultivation of fresh produce. They wanted to bring this innovative approach to Slovakia.
To make fresh produce available year-round, Slovak growers built greenhouses that are heated by renewable energy sources in the winter. „We use renewable sources to ensure that the plants have the heat they need during winter. But as the days get shorter and the light diminishes, we needed to find an alternative to natural sunlight,“ explains Peter Kelemen, co-owner of Beri Farm.
Grow lights are not new to the world of agriculture, but the farm opted for a unique, eco-friendly version of this technology—LED lights. This LED innovation supplies the plants with the light they need, even during the short days of winter. „The integration of LED lighting into agriculture is a game-changer, not only in terms of energy efficiency but also for the advancement of sustainable farming practices. By reducing energy consumption and extending the growing season, LED technology serves as a crucial tool in ensuring food security and supporting the agricultural sector’s adaptation to climate change,“ adds Kelemen.
LED technology brings not only a new impetus to agriculture but also a significant benefit to the Slovak economy. A stable source of fresh vegetables and fruits strengthens domestic production and promotes food self-sufficiency. Consumers can thus buy fresh, local produce all year round, regardless of seasonal constraints or climatic conditions. „The pandemic has shown us how fragile global logistics can be. That is why it is strategically important for Slovakia to be self-sufficient. LED technology is one of the tools that helps us do this,“ Kelemen stresses.
„As a grower, the transition to LED-powered greenhouses has revolutionized how we approach crop production. It allows us to cultivate year-round, regardless of the weather, while maintaining environmental responsibility. This is a crucial step toward ensuring that Slovak farms remain competitive, sustainable, and self-reliant in the global market,“ Kelemen continues. „Having access to locally grown, fresh produce all year round is invaluable, especially in a time when supply chains are more vulnerable than ever. The introduction of LED technology in greenhouses ensures that we can continue to enjoy the highest quality Slovak-grown tomatoes and strawberries throughout the year, supporting our health and the local economy.“
Introducing Beri Farm
Beri Farm is the largest greenhouse farm in Slovakia and is the only one in the country that grows strawberries in a greenhouse. The greenhouses cover 7 hectares. It is also the first farm in Slovakia to adopt LED technology for growing strawberries and tomatoes.
Beri Farm has set a new standard in Slovak agriculture by pioneering the use of advanced LED lighting technology in greenhouse farming. As the largest greenhouse operation in Slovakia, the farm specializes in growing high-quality strawberries year-round. By integrating LED lights into its cultivation process, Beri Farm ensures optimal growing conditions even during the darker winter months. This innovative approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also supports the farm’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. As the only farm in Slovakia dedicated to growing strawberries in a greenhouse, Beri Farm leads the way in revolutionizing agricultural methods in the country.
