Growtech Antalya 2026 will take place from November 24 to 27 in Türkiye, focusing on key topics such as greenhouse investment, biological control, production hygiene, and emerging crop markets. The event aims to unite various industry stakeholders, including growers, technology providers, investors, researchers, and representatives from public institutions, according to Mr. Hakan Öztürk of Agro Business Consultancy (ABC).
A central theme of the conference will be greenhouse investment, featuring a panel that includes government officials, banking representatives, and project implementers. Discussions will cover essential considerations for developing greenhouse projects, such as financing, investment structures, and execution strategies. Öztürk noted that the Turkish greenhouse sector is shifting towards more technology-intensive systems, emphasizing the importance of scale, expertise, and management in this transition. He also highlighted the challenges of implementing significant technology investments in smaller operations, with the average greenhouse in Türkiye measuring approximately 3,000 square meters.
The program will also focus on greenhouse hygiene and biological control. The BIOTED session is set to address integrated pest management (IPM) in relation to food safety, while another discussion will explore hygiene practices as part of investment and operational management strategies. Öztürk pointed out that the rising importance of residue management, pesticide controls, and consistent production standards in commercial horticulture has made low-residue production an increasingly pivotal issue for Turkish growers, especially as it opens doors to additional European markets.
Additionally, crop diversification will be discussed, specifically regarding berry production and medical cannabis. The Berry World session will highlight Türkiye’s emerging role in berry markets, involving experts in the field. The medical cannabis segment will include two discussions: one on global market trends and investment opportunities, and another that will provide perspectives from investors and government stakeholders in Türkiye. Öztürk noted that the interest in medical cannabis underscores the increasing focus on regulated controlled-environment production and emerging agricultural technologies, including indoor farming and artificial intelligence.
Öztürk, who has been involved in topics like indoor farming and artificial intelligence for nearly a decade, remarked that Turkish stakeholders are now effectively creating future market strategies rather than merely replicating others’ practices. The program will also feature a presentation on investment opportunities in Portugal, highlighting the significance of international cooperation in agricultural projects. He stressed that assembling expert teams is critical to the success of new agricultural initiatives.
