Valk Horti Systems marks a decade of climate-focused greenhouse innovation

NETHERLAND – Valk Horti Systems, headquartered in the Netherlands, is celebrating ten years of ValkScreenVision 2.0, its most refined screen system for climate control in greenhouses.

Since its launch in 2014, the system has undergone steady improvements based on practical input from growers.

“We’ve been refining the system for ten years now,” said Rob Bekkering, Commercial Manager at Valk Horti Systems. “It’s exciting to see how far it has come, and also to share the vision we have for the future of screens in horticulture.”

Before the current system, Valk launched Quattro Plus in 2011. It introduced on-site screen cloth retraction but exposed limitations that needed solving. “We had to shift more of the work to our factory to save significant time during installation,” Rob said.

That shift led to the development of ValkScreenProfile VSV, which allowed for more precise screen cloth production and faster setup.

A range of updates followed. These included built-in head strips to reduce manual steps and the ValkDelta retraction tool to stop cloth creases.

As growers began using two climate screens, space inside greenhouses became tight. Valk responded with a two-chamber profile, allowing dual screens to move cleanly.

“For larger greenhouses, a dilatation coupling solved issues with cloth tension and structural expansion, while doubling as an access point for installation,” Rob explained. The removable profile helped avoid cloth damage during removal.

“The system has become installer- and grower-friendly,” said Rob. “Every time growers encounter new challenges, it opens the door for us to innovate.”

A growing market for smarter greenhouses

Valk’s work fits into a broader industry trend. The smart greenhouse market is expected to grow from US$2.07 billion in 2024 to US$4.26 billion by 2033, with a 7.96% compound annual growth rate.

The climate tech market, which includes greenhouse systems, is projected to expand from US$32.49 billion in 2025 to US$79.45 billion by 2029, with a 25% annual growth rate.

This growth comes from several drivers. More greenhouse operators are using sensors and AI to monitor temperature, humidity, and moisture in real time. Energy-efficient designs like dual-screen systems help growers maintain better climate control.

Governments are also offering support for precision farming and water-saving methods. And as arable land shrinks due to urban growth, controlled-environment agriculture is becoming more important for food security.

Looking ahead with new designs

To mark the anniversary, Valk is launching a new component at this year’s GreenTech Amsterdam trade show. The ValkScreenProfile VSV intermediate profile allows two screens to operate independently on the same level.

“There was a question about how to run two screens on the same wire bed, and we didn’t have a profile for that. So, we had to develop one,” Rob said.

Even after a decade of updates, the company says it is far from done. “It’s always the case that when you think you’re done, new questions and demands from growers push us to develop further,” Rob said. “That’s how we innovate: by listening closely to what the industry needs.”

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