How many hectares of greenhouses are in the world? - Cuántas hectáreas de invernaderos hay en el mundo?

Although many countries regularly tabulate statistics for greenhouse vegetable production, most countries do not. Of the reporting countries, a few have yearly figures, such as Canada, Germany, Finland and The Netherlands. Other major producing countries, such as the United States, only report detailed statistics every 10 years. Furthermore, most countries do not separate greenhouse from field production figures.

As for the specific growers of greenhouse vegetables, the only available information is through web sites, advertising notices and a few research reports.

To further complicate the numbers, there is no common definition of a “greenhouse” for vegetable production. In the Netherlands, this is a “glass enclosed structure”, in Canada- “under glass, plastic or other protection”. Under the latest government definition in the United States, it is “any production under cover”. Even lath, shade cloth or temporary high tunnels come under this definition. 

For Example: A “greenhouse”, according to the Netherlands:  

And, a “greenhouse” according to the USA and Canada government statistics services:

Statistics

Using a definition of “greenhouse vegetables” to include permanent glass or plastic structures, and climate controls as necessary, the estimated total global area on January 1, 2015 was: 

 

414,127 hectares (1,023,330 acres)

 

This estimate is based on official government statistics, published research reports, and extensive internet research for other specific data. 

 

Growers 

Because of confidentiality requirements, there are no government statistics that include individual grower’s information. However, using specific internet search algorithms, many of the larger global greenhouse vegetable growers information is available and has been compiled. 

 

Known Growers: 1826 in 95 countries, greenhouse area: 15340 hectares 

 

This grower information is published, with contact information, and it is available. The largest group of these companies represents 15340 hectares (37910 acres) of greenhouse vegetable production area. 

 

Many of the other greenhouse vegetable growers are in countries where the government actually owns the land, internet web site access is virtually not available, or, they are small-scale producers growing for a local market. 

Source: Gary W. Hickmantion (www.cuestaroble.com), www.hortdaily.com