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Screens show the greatest potential to steer greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality

Published

4 months ago

February 19, 2026

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The closing ceremony of the Interreg Flanders–Netherlands Energlik project took place in Hoogstraten, Belgium, where researchers and industry stakeholders gathered to present and discuss the project’s results. The study day was organized by the Energlik consortium under the coordination of Proefcentrum Hoogstraten.

As part of the Energlik project, eleven partners from Flanders and the Netherlands joined forces to reduce greenhouse CO₂ emissions by 2030 and take concrete steps to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The project focused on the development of four innovative technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions in greenhouse production. In addition to the practical tests, additional studies were carried out to assess the economic viability and environmental impact of the innovations.

Interreg’s Bram De Kort highlighted the importance of the initiative at the closing ceremony: “Interreg stimulates cross-border cooperation and supports strong projects that create added value for people, the economy and the planet. Energli is a great example of this.”

Four innovations for less CO₂ emissions
One of the technologies developed as part of the project is a CO₂ capture system that collects, purifies and stores CO₂ from the heating plant, then reuses it in the crop. This allows producers to decouple heat demand from CO₂ supply. The system is based on Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). Thomas More’s Jan Creylman explained: “PSA is a low-tech method of concentrating CO₂ from flue gases. It can be easily combined with a CHP plant and is cost-effective, safe and scalable.”

A second innovation focused on the development of new screen materials to improve greenhouse insulation and reduce heat loss, thus reducing CO₂ emissions. Emphasis was placed on the properties of screens.

“It has been scientifically confirmed that the growers were right in assuming that dehumidification through the screen is very effective,” said Filip Bronchart of the University of Ghent.

The third innovation focused on energy-efficient active dehumidification systems. These systems remove moisture from the greenhouse without opening the vents, preventing energy losses.

“Within Energlik, we explored the possibilities of energy-efficient dehumidification of greenhouse air, based on proven techniques from other sectors,” added Bronchart.

Finally, the members of the project have developed sensors capable of detecting fungal spores. Energy-efficient cultivation often needs to be airtight for longer periods of time, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

“We have previously successfully used biosensors to detect bacteria and molecules, but fungal spores were more challenging. With surface printing and electropolymerization, we have identified two ways to detect fungal spores,” explains Bart van Grinsven.

These sensors may enable more accurate monitoring of fungal pressure in the future, allowing growers to intervene earlier.

Innovations tested in practice
Many innovations were tested in practice. New screen materials were developed, measured and selected based on insulation performance. The best performing screens were then used in crop trials with tomato, sweet pepper and cucumber, combining three screens for each crop.

Different types of dehumidification systems were also designed, built and installed. These included heat recovery systems and systems equipped with heat pumps. Combined with climate and screen control strategies, these measures resulted in significant energy savings across all crops, with no loss of production.

In addition, a trial in a commercial tomato greenhouse demonstrated that more intensive use of multiple screens, day and night, significantly reduces energy consumption.

Tomato producer Jelle De Ryck from Tomerel he reflected on his experience: “In 2025, we did not have to turn on our gas boiler, while in 2024 – despite the warmer spring – this was still necessary. This was possible with the double energy screen and the more intensive use of the screen.

Screens show the greatest potential
Economic and environmental assessments indicate that energy screens currently offer the greatest potential to move the greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality. They require a relatively limited investment and provide significant heat savings, especially in crops without light. Combined with energy-efficient dehumidification systems, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced.

“Dehumidification systems reduce the environmental impact, but high efficiency is essential,” explained ILVO’s Luis Corbala Robles. Their economic viability depends largely on investment costs.

For other innovations, the added economic and environmental value is less clear at this stage, partly due to the high investment costs and the need for further research. These factors will influence which technologies are adopted in commercial practice in the future.

The project also emphasized that energy-efficient cultivation strategies (such as accepting higher relative humidity levels and increasing screen hours) can lead to significant savings without requiring additional investment from growers.

Silke Hemming from Wageningen University & Research emphasizes this point: “Accepting a higher relative humidity, using a heat pump for dehumidification and installing more and better energy screens make the most important contribution to saving energy in fruit and vegetable crops.”

Source: Hoogstraten Test Center / energy

Related Topics:climate greatest greenhouse Industry neutrality potential Screens show steer

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cbdMD welcomes White House call for fair treatment of hemp-derived products

Published

15 hours ago

June 29, 2026

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cbdMD welcomes the Administration’s call for Congress to ensure fair treatment of hemp-derived products under federal law and calls for immediate action to revise hemp regulations to ensure fair treatment of hemp products under federal law.

In a letter to congressional leadership this week, the White House Office of Management and Budget identified hemp reform as a priority strongly supported by the Administration. The petition calls on Congress to ensure fair treatment of hemp-derived products by maintaining access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products, and by maintaining Congress’ intent to reduce products that pose health risks. The administration also urged Congress to pass a responsible federal framework or at least extend the current implementation period to give lawmakers time to get policy right. The request builds on the president’s previous public statements urging lawmakers to protect access to full-spectrum CBD products that millions of Americans rely on.

“We are encouraged to see the administration so clearly championing the responsible, scientific hemp products that consumers depend on every day,” said Ronan Kennedy, CEO of cbdMD. “cbdMD has always believed that the future of this category is built on quality, transparency, and clear rules that separate them from bad actors. A federal framework that protects consumer access, promotes safety, and provides certainty to companies that provide certainty is what this industry and the people it serves deserve. We applaud the policymakers who are working to achieve this outcome.”

“We believe CbdMD is purpose-built for this next phase of the market,” added Kennedy. “Our focus remains on serving our customers with reliable and effective products, supporting responsible regulation and building long-term value for our shareholders as the category continues to evolve. Along the way, we will continue to evaluate the opportunities this evolving environment holds.”

For more information:
cbdMD
cbdmd.com/

Cannabis News

Applications For Missouri Marijuana Microbusiness Licenses Will Open Next Month

Published

15 hours ago

June 29, 2026

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“We have a lot of tutorials, and we also provide a step-by-step guide. Anyone could sit down and make the app. I don’t think it’s challenging.”

By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent

Application window win one of Missouri’s 77 micro-business marijuana licenses through a lottery selection it will be open from July 13 to 27.

The selection lottery is scheduled for Sept. 9, and the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation expects to issue licenses in December, according to a press release issued Monday.

Microbusinesses are marijuana facility licenses issued to entities and individuals designed to allow marginalized or underrepresented people to legally participate in the marijuana market.

Lesley Turek, the division’s capital manager, has been traveling the state this month to educate people about the application process.

“I really feel that microenterprise graduates are, first and foremost, a community of people who help each other,” he said. “They’re the ones who are driving this program forward, so I’m looking forward to meeting new people and sharing as much as I can about the program. It’s a great program.”

Much of what is being worked on is the new rules that went into effect at the end of May…In 2024 the proposed cannabis regulators will remove a large number of licences Because of unconstitutional property deals.

The new rules, he said, allow regulators to conduct extensive scrutiny before licensing, rather than after. Furthermore, they give a more in-depth explanation of what it means to “have and operate the majority” of the License, which is a requirement in the Constitution.

Regulators are mandated to communicate directly with majority owners and require applicants to complete a compliance course before applying and after receiving a license.

The microbusiness program was passed by voters in the 2022 constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana.

In Missouri, there are seven categories in which people can qualify for a micro-business license, ranging from lower income or living in an area considered poor, to past arrests or incarcerations related to marijuana offenses.

Applicants pay a $1,500 application fee if not selected. The Missouri Lottery will select 77 license applicants to open dispensaries or cultivation facilities. The goal is to fill the remaining gaps in the minimum 144 micro-business licenses mandated by the Constitution.

Turek believes the application is relatively simple and something people can complete on their own, unlike the much more complicated application for comprehensive licenses.

“We have a lot of tutorials, and we also offer a step-by-step guide,” he said. “Anyone can sit down and do the app. I don’t think it’s a challenge.”

The part that most people often don’t understand is everything that comes with owning a marijuana facility.

“It’s very expensive, it’s very regulated, and so it’s challenging,” he said. “I want to make sure people have a clear understanding beforehand so they can make a good decision whether they want to apply for this program.”

A big part of his presentation was that the majority of the licenses should be owned by and eligible people. They must have more than 50 percent of the authority to direct the decisions made with the license.

“It’s more than a percentage of ownership,” he said. “It’s really about being able to have that control over it.”

It also talks about the designated contact, and why in the new rule the regulators will require that the designated contact be the applicant or the eligible person with the majority of ownership.

The designated liaison role was conceived as a way to ensure clear communication between the state and licensees.

Instead, state regulators discovered it many named contacts have kept real applicants in the dark about business and licensing. Applicants are locked into agreements that limit their voting power and profits in the business.

That’s why the state now requires pre-application training, a three-video online course to ensure applicants understand “potentially predatory practices,” regulators said in response to public comments during the rulemaking process.

The press release It says those who need help with eligibility requirements or application forms can contact the facility’s application services (email protected).

Educational dissemination events for micro-enterprises

Personal forums:
June 22 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Kansas City

Webinars:
June 24 – from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
June 29 – from 18:00 to 20:00

Registration is required for in-person and virtual sessions. Interested participants can register at Microenterprise education. Additional information on the microenterprise program is available here cannabis.mo.gov.

Those requiring assistance with eligibility requirements or application forms may contact Facilities Application Services at (email protected).

This story was first published by the Missouri Independent.

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Cannabis News

RAND estimates Indiana adult-use cannabis could yield $180M in annual revenue

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

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Two new RAND reports commissioned by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation outline the policy options and financial commitments facing Indiana as the state debates whether to change its cannabis laws amid restrictions across the country.

Reports show that 44% of Indiana residents live within 50 miles of a licensed dispensary in a neighboring state, and 96% live within 100 miles, as three of Indiana’s four states have legalized adult-use cannabis. At the same time, intoxicating hemp products containing the same psychoactive compound as marijuana are available at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores throughout Indiana with limited oversight.

Cannabis use in Indiana has doubled in the past decade, with a significant increase among adults 26 and older. RAND estimates that 1.3 million Hoosiers used cannabis in 2024 and spent $1.8 billion on marijuana products that year. Indiana recorded more than 13,000 cannabis-related arrests in 2024, with more than 90% for possession and more than 75% for non-cannabis related charges. The state spends $10 million to $20 million annually on cannabis law enforcement.

Rather than recommending a specific policy, the RAND reports outline four broad options: maintaining prohibition, reducing criminal penalties for possession, legalizing medical cannabis, or legalizing the adult recreational use market. Legalizing adult-use cannabis would generate about $180 million in annual state revenue, roughly 1 percent of the state’s general fund, well below some previous projections and less than half of the $385 million in combined cigarette and alcohol tax revenue Indiana will collect in 2025, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Legalization would also entail significant upfront costs, and ongoing regulatory costs could reach the low tens of millions of dollars annually, outweighing the savings from reduced criminal justice spending. RAND identifies 14 policy considerations important to establishing legal markets, each with its own public health and state economic implications.