The Development of Agricultural Greenhouses in the Island of Crete, Greece: A PESTEL Analysis

The cultivation of crops in modern and productive agricultural systems is necessary for feeding the growing global population. The climate conditions in the island of Crete, Greece are favorable for the development of agricultural greenhouses. The island hosts nowadays almost one third of the Greek greenhouses used mainly for vegetables production. Although plastic covered greenhouses dominate in vegetables’ production in Crete the use of modern technologies can increase the productivity and improve the quality of the products. The external factors which affect the development of greenhouses in Greece have been analyzed focusing on the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal parameters according to PESTEL methodology. The PESTEL analysis helps in the identification of the external factors which influence the development of agricultural greenhouses in Crete. However, it gives subjective views and does not offer specific solutions. It has been found that greenhouse farming in Crete is affected by many external parameters which should be considered in the planning of their future growth. The results of the present study could be helpful in the future development of agricultural greenhouses in Crete. They could be useful to policy makers, to greenhouse farmers and to stakeholders of the agricultural industry in the island.