Feasibility of production system of strawberry in semi-hydroponic recirculating

The growth and commercialization of strawberries have socioeconomic relevance. It can be cultivated in many kinds of production system. Among the technologies of production, it is the semi-hydroponic recirculating cultivation (SHRC), whose initial investment tends to be higher, however, it is less subjected to price seasonality and bear higher quality fruits in relation to the conventional system. Nevertheless, the economic viability of the SHRC system in Brazil, designed from a sample in use in California-USA, still lacks of analysis of investments viability, efficiency and competitiveness. It was calculated the cost of production and respective strawberry recipes in this system, by the Policy Analysis Matrix method, and calculation of Net Present Value (NPV) spread sheet, intern rate of return (IRR) and payback of the strawberry tree produced in representative establishment nearby Pelotas-RS. It was verified that there is financial viability in production, because the NPV for a 10 years period was of R$ 16,448.99; the IRR of 66,88%; the profitability was of R$ 1,812.72/year per a 150 m(2) greenhouse; and the payback was of 1.7 years. Thus, the SHRC system may be recommended to fruit growers, because it adds more and provide sustainable technology.