The Boudry family farm in Ypres has launched the world’s first commercial-scale outdoor hydroponic leek operation:
✔ Space efficiency: 3,000 m² produces equal to 1.5-2 hectares of conventional fields
✔ Water-based system: Leeks grow on floating platforms in nutrient-rich circulating water
✔ Multiple annual cycles: Enabled by controlled growth conditions
Key Advantages Over Traditional Farming
- Precision Nutrition
- Continuous monitoring optimizes nutrient delivery
- Eliminates fertilizer runoff (100% nutrient uptake efficiency)
- Disease & Weed Control
- No soil-borne pathogens
- Complete weed suppression
- Labor & Resource Savings
- 40% less manual labor required
- 90% water savings compared to field irrigation
Technical Specifications
- System developers: Inagro, REO, Hydromasters, Indurra
- Research duration: 10 years of R&D
- Harvest automation: Robotic harvester prototype launching 2025
- Yield potential: 3-4 growth cycles annually
Economic Viability
- Higher initial investment (€250,000 for 3,000 m² system)
- Faster ROI due to:
- Premium product quality (uniform size, zero defects)
- Reduced pesticide costs
- Year-round production capability
Environmental Benefits
✔ Zero soil degradation
✔ Minimal water usage (closed-loop system)
✔ 85% reduction in chemical inputs
Future Applications
Researchers note the system could be adapted for:
- Other alliums (onions, shallots)
- Leafy greens
- Herb production
Belgium’s hydroponic leek breakthrough demonstrates how controlled-environment agriculture can address land scarcity and sustainability challenges. While the technology requires significant upfront investment, its multiple annual cycles and premium yields offer compelling economics. This innovation could redefine commercial leek production globally, particularly in urban and water-scarce regions.
