The low tunnels and shelters — simple arch structures with a plastic cover 1 to 2m high over the beds — are the most affordable climate protection solution in horticulture. With an investment of R$ 2 to R$ 10/m² vs. R$ 50 to R$ 200/m² for a conventional greenhouse, they provide protection against rain, hail, frost, and pests with immediate quality returns.
The low tunnel is particularly effective for strawberries, melons, out-of-season watermelon, and fine vegetables — crops that need protection from rain during blooming and fruiting. The plastic cover reduces fungal diseases by 40 to 60%, eliminates most hail damage, and allows for early and delayed harvests.
When tunnels are well-sized and the cover is changed at the right time, this segment can significantly contribute to job and income generation in Brazil.
Join our strategic actions for implementing the best solutions in the Brazilian agricultural sector. Our activities, studies, and advanced research cover 20 chains and the 255 segments of the national agribusiness — from the grain chain to sustainable extraction, including horticulture, fruit farming, livestock, and much more.
The Innovation For Brazil to Produce More series was developed specifically to identify and implement the best solutions available in Brazil and the world, in the 255 segments of the agribusiness sector — with accessible technical language, updated data, and a focus on practical results for producers, suppliers, government officials, and traders.
1. Opportunities for Small Rural Producers
How to use tunnels and low shelters to increase the quality and income of horticulture
An efficient low tunnel starts with the correct cover for the purpose — perforated film (micro-perforated) for natural ventilation in hot climates; closed film for cold protection in mountainous regions. Galvanized wire arches every 80cm and covers of 30 to 50 microns are the highest cost-effective standard.
✔ Galvanized wire or fiber arches — every 80 to 100cm
✔ Micro-perforated film for hot climates — natural ventilation
✔ Closed 50 micron film for cold — frost protection
✔ Strawberries in tunnels: 60% reduction in Botrytis and 30-day advancement
✔ PRONAF for family protected horticulture
The E-Book 01 — Strategic Manual for Small Rural Producers presents, in detail, the best solutions for this segment and the other 254 of Brazilian agribusiness — focusing on method, cost reduction, and progressive growth from Agro 1.0 to Agro 6.0. Access now for BRL 99.00 →
2. Opportunities for Local Micro and Small Suppliers
What equipment do tunnels and shelters require?
The tunnels require quality plastic films, arches, and irrigation — with a growing market of protective material manufacturers.
Solutions by area of engineering applied to the segment
Our activities, studies, and advanced research cover six major areas of engineering — and the chain demands solutions in all of them:
Electrical and Computer Engineering — drip irrigation in the tunnel;
Electronic Engineering and IoT — internal temperature sensors in the tunnel;
Control and Automation Engineering — automated irrigation;
Mechatronic and Robotics Engineering — metal arches and fastening systems;
Renewable Energy Engineering — solar for irrigation;
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence — temperature monitoring.
✔ Micro-perforated plastic films for tunnels
✔ Galvanized arches for low tunnels
✔ Drip irrigation for tunnels
✔ Consulting on strawberry management in tunnels
✔ Productivity comparison with and without tunnels
The E-Book 02 — Strategic Guide for the Micro and Small Local Supplier maps, segment by segment, the business opportunities — focusing on IoT, energy, automation, and specialized technical services. Access now for BRL 99.00 →
3. Opportunities for Municipal Governments
How the municipality can support tunnels and create a premium fruit hub
The strawberry and melon tunnels are the highest impact solution for high-altitude fine fruit producers — and the municipality that supports adoption creates a premium high-value product with an identity of origin.
✔ Tunnel program for high-altitude strawberry growers
✔ Municipal IDM: low protection horticulture area
✔ Tunnel Strawberry Festival — identity and tourism
✔ PNAE with local tunnel strawberries and fruits
✔ Partnership with distributors for premium tunnel fruits
The E-Book 03 — Reference Guide for Municipal Governments presents the step-by-step for municipal secretaries and managers to implement effective public policies for the 255 segments of agribusiness. Access now for BRL 99.00 →
4. Opportunities for Small Agricultural Product Traders
How tunnels generate business for manufacturers and producers of premium strawberries
The high-altitude strawberry has superior quality and flavor compared to open field — with production from October to December (out of the conventional winter harvest), when the price can be 2 to 4 times that of the harvest period. The tunnel is the lowest investment instrument for early harvesting with the highest return.
For out-of-season melon producers, the high tunnel (1.5 to 2m) with Caipira melon allows harvesting in December — when Northeast melons are not available and the price is 3 to 4 times that of the normal harvest. The investment of R$ 5 to R$ 8/m² for the tunnel pays off in a premium melon harvest.
Products with high commercial potential
The main products derived from this segment for local retail and foodservice:
Premium out-of-season tunnel strawberries— 2 to 4 times the harvest price;
Tunnel melons out of season— 3 to 4 times the harvest price;
Premium tunnel cherry tomatoes— a growing product;
Micro-perforated plastic film— high-turnover input;
Complete low tunnel kit— affordable solution;
Consulting on production in tunnels— value service.
Trader profiles and their specific opportunities
✔ Strawberry growers: tunnel for premium product and anticipation
✔ Film manufacturers: polyethylene for crop protection
✔ Material distributors: arches and films for horticulture
✔ Melon producers: tunnel for out-of-season production
✔ Consultants: tunnel management for premium crops
✔ Fruit distributors: premium tunnel products
Growth strategies for local traders
The high-altitude strawberry grower who uses tunnels to advance the harvest by 30 to 45 days captures pre-harvest prices — when there is no competition from open fields and consumers pay a premium for the first box of strawberries of the season.
The PRONAF and Pronampe cover structure. SEBRAE subsidizes training.
The E-Book 04 — Strategic Guide for the Small Trader of Agricultural Products maps 30 trader profiles and details growth opportunities in all 255 segments of agribusiness. Access now for BRL 99.00 →
Innovation and Technology Network
By acquiring any e-book from the series, you become a member of our Innovation and Technology Network. Groups with 30 members will be able to organize and fund in-person strategic planning events to identify and implement the best solutions available in Brazil and worldwide.
✔ Small Rural Producers
✔ Micro and Small Supplier Companies
✔ Municipal Governments
✔ Small Agricultural Product Traders
⭐ Special offer: I will provide 100% discount on the value of my working hours for the 10 pioneer events organized by 11/30/26 and held in December 2026. Therefore, the 10 pioneer groups will only cover the general expenses.
Sincerely,
Ivo Alves
CEO · Master in Electrical Engineering and Computing · Specialist in Innovation and Technology Project Management
Faculty: IFPB and UFRN · 38 years of experience in Engineering
Written by
Equipe Editorial
Content Team
Nossa equipe de especialistas compartilhando conhecimento.
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