CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER developed specific technology to build Agricultural Greenhouses using alternative materials much cheaper than the traditional ones. We used materials that could be found in the city of São Paulo. Wood usage increased the construction price of greenhouses; however we believe that better results can be achieved in other regions of Brazil and the world due to lower wood costs. In other regions alternative materials can be used such as eucalyptus, pine and even bamboo or any other material available. The construction process and the methodology used can be modified and improved. The methodology, the description of the entire construction project, construction tracking and monitoring, as well as the photographic documentation were done by our colleague Regis Eder Neu – cidadessemfome@uol.com.br, Family Farming and Sustainability Technologist, graduated from Federal University of Santa Maria / RS.

Why should Agricultural Greenhouses be built?

Agricultural plastic, also called agricultural film used in greenhouses was developed so that the sunlight (radiant energy) can easily pass through the structures during the day, because the plastic film is transparent to radiation, which has a certain frequency. During the night, when heat waves, which have a different frequency from sunlight, are emitted inside the greenhouse, the heat waves are blocked because the agricultural plastic film is opaque for this type of radiation, and it retains most of the heat inside the Agricultural Greenhouse. The photosynthesis process and oxygen production are accelerated in favorable environments – hot and humid – which provide faster growth, better flowering and fruiting. Producers need to protect their crops especially during the most adverse weather periods, and this is the main reason for building greenhouses. Crop protection is increasing throughout the world, avoiding damage caused by storms, frosts, blizzards, hail, extreme cold, or bad weather. The usage of Agricultural Greenhouses enables a better growth of plantations, increases productivity; it provides larger crop numbers per year and in between harvests. Agricultural Greenhouses help to improve product quantity and quality regardless of the climatic variations, thus contributing to food security and providing family income.