Cannabis News

Retrofit or rebuild? How to decide for your greenhouse

Published

3 months ago

March 19, 2026

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Many greenhouse operations are based on structures built decades ago. While these facilities can sustain production for years, rising energy costs, evolving crop demands and advances in climate control are prompting growers to reassess whether they need to renovate existing structures or invest in new construction. The decision depends on balancing performance, cost and long-term operational goals.

Start with the structure: Is your greenhouse still functional?
The first step is to assess the integrity of the structure. A sound frame and foundation often supports modern upgrades, making upgrading a viable option. Plants should check for corrosion, aging materials and structural damage, as well as whether the building can handle newer systems such as energy curtains or lighting. Design factors, including roof height and truss spacing, also affect airflow and system integration. If the structure remains strong and adaptable, remodeling can significantly improve performance without completely replacing it.

Common problems that greenhouse construction can solve
Older greenhouses often struggle with consistent climate control, resulting in erratic temperatures, moisture issues, and reduced crop yields. Aging heating, ventilation and insulation systems can also increase energy costs. Renovations can address these issues through better ventilation, improved heating, modern environmental controls and improved glazing. These changes can improve crop consistency while reducing operating expenses.

Case study: a real greenhouse renovation project
A 30-year-old greenhouse in Germany had problems with damaged glass panes and high wind exposure. Instead of rebuilding, a retrofit solution replaced the glazing with ETFE film using a custom track system. This improved light transmission, durability and plant performance, extending the lifespan of the structure. The staggered installation allowed production to continue with minimal disruption, meaning that targeted upgrades could provide significant benefits without a complete rebuild.

Signs it may be time to rebuild
Reconstruction becomes more appropriate when structural deterioration is severe or design limitations prevent effective improvements. Older greenhouses may have low roof heights, poor airflow, or limited capacity for modern systems, limiting climate control. Changes in crop type can also create the need for new construction, especially when moving to crops with different environmental requirements. In such cases, reconstruction can offer better long-term efficiency and flexibility.

Cost considerations
Upgrades typically involve lower upfront costs and shorter timeframes, often allowing for phased upgrades with minimal disruption. However, it may be limited by design limitations. Retrofitting requires a higher initial investment and longer construction time, but offers full design flexibility, improved energy efficiency and better scalability. Evaluating the return on investment requires consideration of both immediate costs and long-term operating profits.

When the hybrid approach works best
Many operations benefit from a combination of remodeling and reconstruction strategies. Renovating existing structures by adding new greenhouse spaces allows growers to gradually modernize. This approach can optimize capital expenditure, maintain production continuity and support expansion without completely replacing existing infrastructure.

Questions growers should ask before deciding
Key considerations include the condition of the current structure, the ability to support modern systems, the impact of energy costs and whether environmental conditions limit crop yield. Growers must also assess changes in crop requirements, future expansion plans and expected return on investment. These factors help determine if improvements are sufficient or if new construction is warranted.

Every greenhouse is different
There is no single solution for all operations. Each decision must be based on a careful assessment of the structural situation, production needs and long-term goals. A strategic approach ensures that investments—in retrofitting, rebuilding, or both—result in lasting improvements.

For more information:
Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
(email protected)
www.ceresgs.com

Related Topics:decide greenhouse rebuild Retrofit

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Cannabis News

Columbia hemp business Burning Acre to close and move to North Carolina over new Tennessee rules

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

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Burning Acre, a Columbia, Tennessee-based hemp company, says it will close its retail store and move operations to North Carolina ahead of new state regulations that take effect July 1, according to WSMV.

The business says its last day to open in Columbia will be June 30, the same day the Tennessee Department of Agriculture licenses for hemp-derived cannabinoids expire. As of July 1, businesses that continue to operate in the state will be required to be licensed under a new regulatory framework led by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Burning Acre says the changes have forced it to abandon plans for a new sandwich shop and bakery and close its Tennessee retail operations and relocate to Murphy, North Carolina. “I won’t sugarcoat it, it’s a very hard video for me and a message I should never have written,” the business wrote.

The business puts the annual cost of manufacturing, distribution and running the retail store at about $750. Under the new rules, he says, those costs would rise by tens of thousands of dollars, citing new licensing fees, a required $25,000 annual bond and increased testing fees.

The law, which took effect in July, changes the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid businesses from the Department of Agriculture to the ABC. The Department of Agriculture stopped issuing licenses at the end of 2025, and the licenses issued by the TDA will remain valid until June 30, 2026.

“Columbia, we absolutely love being a part of this community,” said Burning Acre. “We are truly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to this location.”

Cannabis News

North Carolina Lawmakers Advance Bill To Set A Minimum Age Limit For Hemp And Kratom Products

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

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“Many other details about cannabis have been debated and will continue to be debated.”

By Christine Zhu, NC Newsline

Lawmakers in North Carolina are considering banning people under 21 from buying or possessing certain hemp-derived consumables, including combustible hemp flower, hemp cigarettes, gummies and drinks, or items that include the drug kratom.

The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved a rewrite of Senate Bill 59 on Wednesday. This is the latest attempt by state legislators after years of proposals to regulate the sale of hemp products that didn’t work out in the end.

This measure would prohibit companies from selling such products to under-21s. If the seller has “reasonable grounds” to believe that the buyer is under the age of 21, the seller must verify the buyer’s ID.

Rep. Jimmy Dixon (R-Duplin), who introduced the bill, said he was motivated to bring public attention to issues surrounding cannabis. He said there was a 14-year-old boy in his neighborhood who had an emergency after buying a hemp-derived product.

“There are a lot of other details about cannabis that have been debated and will continue to be debated, but ladies and gentlemen, to make sure we have the good sense to be agents of these kinds of issues, that’s the lowest hanging fruit,” he said.

Violators would face a Class 2 felony, as well as a fine of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses.

asked Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford). of the bill language resulted in potential changes to hemp-derived products. It is common for manufacturers of synthetic recreational drugs to make changes to the chemical composition of their products to avoid legal bans or restrictions.

“I assume the definition as written is broad enough to capture any future manipulation of molecules,” he said. Dixon nodded.

Legislators also voted in favor correction To add kratom products to the under-21 ban.

Rep. Jeffrey McNeely (R-Iredell), who proposed the amendment, said it was necessary to add those elements to the bill.

“I’ve been working on this for quite some time, trying to get these bills passed,” McNeely said. “We definitely have a problem. So I’m hoping we can keep posting this and we’ll get something done before we get out of the short session here.”

Both the amendment and the legislation passed unanimously without debate.

The bill moves next to the House Rules Committee. Other amendments will be heard when they appear on the House floor, which could be as soon as next week.

This story was first published by NC Newsline.

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Cannabis News

GreenTech Amsterdam 2026 in 2026 photos

Published

1 day ago

June 13, 2026

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Well, it’s not 2026 photos, but with around 600 photos, we definitely did our best. For the past two days, the Netherlands has been the place to be for the global greenhouse industry. From Flower Trials for the horticulture sector, company visits to growers and technical suppliers, as well as dinners, get-togethers, drinks, knowledge sessions and much more. And of course with GreenTech Amsterdam.

The event brought together professionals from around the world to connect, network, share knowledge and do business.

Next week, we’ll be sharing more information on market developments, trends, what’s on display, news, business news, innovations and whatever else you can think of, but for now we’ll stick to photo reporting.

Click here for the photo report.