Tel-Aviv-based agtech and precision irrigation specialist Netafim has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dutch turnkey greenhouse projects provider Gakon.
Already active for several decades in the greenhouse market, the acquisition further expands Netafim’s offering in the production and supply of top-tier greenhouse projects to meet the increasing demand for the most advanced farming methods and locally grown fresh produce.
Netafim will provide growers with a comprehensive offering of the best greenhouse technologies, structures, irrigation, fertigation, and crop growing expertise, as well as other ag-related services to enable farmers to maximise productivity and efficiency in all climate conditions.
The companies describe the acquisition as ‘synergetic’, combining Netafim’s global presence and expertise in precision agriculture with Gakon’s advanced greenhouse technology.
With 56 years of agricultural project experience and an array of advanced irrigation technologies utilised in 80% of the world’s professional high-end greenhouses, Netafim is well-established as a leading player in global agriculture technology. Gakon brings unique expertise in all aspects of greenhouse project execution, glasshouse manufacturing capabilities, and a proven track record in key markets. The expanded offering leverages Netafim’s capacity as a holistic destination for the increasing numbers of growers of year-round crops and farm-to-table local produce.
“Greenhouse projects were already a strategic priority for Netafim, with Covid-19 further validating the importance of food security and a local fresh supply. We are delighted to join forces with Gakon to enhance our in-house greenhouse related capabilities, including production, and provide local farmers and growers across the world with greenhouse solutions and services that will support both farmers and local food security,” said Gabriel (Gaby) Miodownik, Netafim CEO.
“Teaming up with Netafim unlocks a world of opportunities for us,” said Pieter van Berchum, director of Gakon. “We are excited to be able to apply our deep knowledge and skills of greenhouse horticulture to new markets and be part of a group that is set to drive forward sustainable and profitable crop production.”
Netafim describes itself as the world’s largest irrigation company, boasting 33 subsidiaries and 17 manufacturing plants worldwide, providing tailor-made irrigation and fertigation solutions to millions of farmers from smallholders to large-scale agricultural producers, in over 110 countries.
Founded in 1965, Netafim pioneered the drip revolution, creating a paradigm shift toward precision irrigation. Today, the company specializes in end-to-end solutions from the water source to the root zone, and offers a variety of irrigation, open field and greenhouse projects, as well as landscaping and mining solutions supported by engineering, project management and financing services. Netafim is also a digital farming pioneer, having integrated real-time monitoring, analysis, and automated control into one state-of-the-art system.
With 70 years of experience, Gakon Horticultural Projects is a global leader in producing, supplying, building, and servicing high quality turnkey horticultural projects, manufacturing its own greenhouses its headquarters in Westland, Netherlands.
