Tag Archives: tech tyfu

News

Pan-Wales project showcasing high street regeneration tech takes to the road

A PIONEERING project which uses cutting-edge technology to help shape town centre regeneration will hit the road this summer.

Smart Towns Cymru will host a series of events across Wales beginning in Newport on Thursday (May 16).

Having welcomed up to 120 people to its inaugural conference, held at Ty Pawb in Wrexham earlier this year, the programme – delivered by Anglesey and Porthmadog-based Menter Mon – wants to engage with even more businesses and local authorities in Wales.

The aim is to bring together key high street decision makers with retailers and relevant parties to help breathe life into local economies across the country.

Project Manager Kiki Rees-Stavros said: “We are encouraging businesses to attend and engage with their local authorities and town and community councils to look at ways to move forward together, to discuss what issues they are facing and how they can work in partnership to resolve them.

“This is a great platform to bring organisations together under one roof and share best practice in an informal setting, and to learn how other areas have benefited from the incredible technology and innovative practices that have had a positive impact on other towns and villages.”

She added: “I hope people will capitalise on this opportunity – in Newport and the other regions we will be visiting this summer – especially following the success of our first ever conference in Wrexham, where we signed up 19 new Smart Ambassadors and had representatives from 19 of the 22 local authorities in Wales.

“Together we will continue to explore and develop sustainable solutions that will benefit businesses, help increase footfall and shine a light on trends in our town centres, which in turn will influence decision making in the future.”

More than 50 people have already registered for the Newport event, and there will be presentations on the day from Owen Davies Consulting from Abergavenny, Caerphilly-based VZTA, leaders in Smart Towns ecosystems, BABLE Smart Cities, and software development pioneers Kodergarten, from Gwynedd, who trialled innovative seismology technology as part of the wider Patrwm Smart Places project at last summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The roadshow will then move on to the following areas: Brecon (June 4), Newtown (June 5), Anglesey (July 5), and Flintshire (July 10).

Launched in 2021, the Trefi Smart Towns Cymru project, funded by Welsh Government, has promoted the use of technology and data to rejuvenate high streets all over Wales and encourage data driven decision making.

Visit www.mentermon.com for more news and information from Menter Mon.

To book on one of the upcoming events, visit Eventbrite: Trefi SMART Towns Cymru Events – 7 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

For more on the Smart Towns Cymru conference, watch the video here: Cynhadledd Trefi SMART Towns Cymru Conference (youtube.com)

News

Revolutionary seismology sensors to shape future of town centre regeneration in Wales

REVOLUTIONARY new seismology software will shake up the way organisations measure footfall and have a positive impact on town centre regeneration.

Menter Môn trialled the innovative Raspberry Shake wireless technology as part of the wider Patrwm Smart Places project at last summer’s National Eisteddfod, held in Boduan, Gwynedd.

Created by software development pioneers Kodergarten, sensors were placed in strategic areas locally, including the neighbouring towns and villages of Abersoch, Nefyn, Pwllheli, Y Ffor and Y Maes at the Eisteddfod itself.

Ahead of the country’s first ever Smart Towns Cymru conference in Wrexham this Friday (March 15), results have revealed significant increases in activity at peak times during the week-long event, and insights into footfall and traffic flow statistics in the towns and villages that surrounded the Eisteddfod site.

Kodergarten co-founder Paul Sandham said processing WiFi sensor and seismometer data – while adhering to GDPR rules – has demonstrated the viability of this approach and helped to deliver more accurate information about a place.

“Using innovative and low-cost technologies, we were able to produce more accurate footfall data which demonstrated how many people were at the Eisteddfod and in surrounding communities whilst at the same time delivering real-time data on traffic volumes at key locations,” he said.

“Going forward that will help influence the decision-making process for event organisers and nearby communities, information that could play a key part in helping to regenerate our high streets and town centres.”

Paul added: “We used microseismology to do this – recording and processing data derived from tiny vibrations in the ground – and that allowed us to capture data without ‘tracking’ anyone.

“It also gave an insight and real confidence in the numbers obtained via Wi-Fi sensors. This was a trial of the equipment we hope to deploy to build confidence in the quality of data – there is so much more we can do with this technology.

“This was a fantastic exercise for Menter Môn and ourselves to work in collaboration, and for us as a company looking for future investment it demonstrates that by using seismometer sensors, we can produce distinct and valid patterns of visitor behaviour, and traffic flow.”

During the trial, the Patrwm system processed a sliding 10-minute window of data every 30 seconds, which meant near real-time information was available for analysis. This innovative and scalable data pipeline now processes all sensor information on the Patrwm database.

Their report also revealed the two most popular areas during the week outside of the Eisteddfod were the predominantly Welsh-speaking villages of Nefyn and Aberdaron, and delays were minimal at peak times which indicates traffic flow and management implemented by Gwynedd Council was working well, despite the large number of vehicles.

Launched in 2021, the Trefi Smart Towns Cymru project, funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Menter Môn, has promoted the use of technology and data to rejuvenate high streets all over Wales and encourage data driven decision making.

Project Manager Kiki Rees-Stavros said: “This technology complements existing Wi-Fi provision in north west Wales and allows for incredibly accurate figures. It adds a lot of value for local authorities and town planners, and anyone wanting to garner this information at an affordable cost.

“This is a Welsh solution to what is a global issue, so we are very proud as an organisation to have worked with Kodergarten on this initiative.”

Visit www.mentermon.com for more news and information from Menter Mon.

For more information on Kodergarten, visit the website: www.kodergarten.com.

To view the report, visit Eisteddfod shake report – Final Version – Feb 26th (smarttowns.cymru) (English) and eisteddfod-addroddiad-traffig-a-gweithgaredd-dynol-eisteddfod-23.pdf (smarttowns.cymru) (Cymraeg).

Menter Mon and Kodergarten will be hosting a webinar following the Smart Towns conference. Register for free here: Monitoring Footfall with Seismology / Monitro Nifer Ymwelwyr gyda Seismoleg Tickets, Wed 10 Apr 2024 at 13:00 | Eventbrite

News

Welsh schools show support for local food producers with patriotic St David’s Day menus

SCHOOLS are showing their support for patriotic producers and using more locally sourced ingredients for their St David’s Day dinner menus.

Specially prepared items for today’s (Friday) lunchtime celebrations at a select number of primary and secondary schools will incorporate food and drink manufactured and distributed right on their doorstep, where possible.

As part of Larder Cymru’s Welsh Food for Schools pilot scheme – delivered by Menter Mon – the local authorities of Wrexham, Flintshire, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Cardiff, and Caerphilly have pledged to review their current offering and do more to utilise Welsh produce.

Marcia Lewis, Principal Officer for Caerphilly’s catering service, is fully behind the initiative.

“St David’s Day is a special celebration for all schools in Caerphilly,” she said.

“This year we are celebrating the event by using Welsh produce from local manufacturers, which will appeal to our pupils across the borough.

“Our strategy is to enable pupils to have greater access to nutritious, high-quality local foods, enhanced learning about food, agriculture, and healthy lifestyles whilst increasing the use of Welsh produce on our menus.”

Among the Welsh and locally produced delights being served up in Caerphilly are lamb leek and mint sausage, potatoes and other vegetables, wholemeal bread, yoghurt, ice cream, fruit bars, and still water.

Supported by the Welsh Government’s Backing Local Firms Fund, the overall aim of Welsh Food for Schools is to increase the volume and range of Welsh produce purchased and used by education catering departments in their counties going forward.

Larder Cymru’s Food Lead David Wylie is delighted with the commitment of the schools and councils and hopes it will have a significant impact on the food and drink economy in North Wales.

“We are working in collaboration not only to give these sectors more support at a crucial time for them, but also to focus on health and wellbeing of young people, sustainability and the environment,” said David.

“And what better time than on St David’s Day to shine a light on these issues and champion the incredible producers we have across Wales, particularly here in the north where this project is gaining real momentum.

“We thank everyone for their support – Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!”

For more information, visit the website www.lardercymru.wales or email david@mentermon.com. Alternatively, follow @mentermon on social media.

News

Enterprise hub outperforming peers “by some margin” launches new grants and start-up services

A TRANSFORMATIVE enterprise hub outperforming its peers “by some margin” will enter its sixth year with a raft of new services for start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The pioneering Menter Môn Enterprise Hub (Hwb Menter), based with project partners M-SParc in Gaerwen and at Hwb Arloesi, Porthmadog, has unveiled a series of benefits and incentives in addition to its co-working spaces and popular Miwtini start-up programme.

Businesses in Gwynedd and Anglesey can apply for a £2,500 ‘support package’ that includes access to guidance and free information, financial backing and more.

A recent Welsh Government evaluation revealed the north west Wales Enterprise Hub team, managed by Sara Lois Roberts, was “outperforming by some margin” other hubs in Wales, and “has been able to reach a new and different audience”.

Sara is “proud and excited” they can move forward and offer even more to people across the region.

“We have a fantastic team within the Enterprise Hub who have worked tirelessly to help people over the last five years, so for that to be recognised by Welsh Government was heartening,” she said.

“Our services will continue, with a focus on start-ups and entrepreneurs in Gwynedd and Anglesey, and the new support package shows we are even more determined to give those looking to start their own business the help they need to succeed.”

The Enterprise Hub has done just that for more than 180 new enterprises since 2018 – there was no slowing down for the Coronavirus pandemic – demonstrating how pivotal the need was for an in-person, accessible platform aligned to the “local business ecosystem”.

Opening a hub in Porthmadog reinforced the need for a service in that area, and it has proven popular with solo workers in particular, offering remote, hot desk spaces, events, and networking.

This location joins a network of other hubs, including MSParc’s #OnTour locations in Pwllheli and Bangor.

Pryderi ap Rhisiart, M-SParc Managing Director said: “The Enterprise Hub has been a fantastic example of how M-SParc and Menter Môn collaborate on projects which lead to positive results across a variety of industries and sectors in North Wales, and perfectly fits our remit of business growth in the area, job creation, and making North Wales an attractive place to work.”

Having now received £568,184 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Cyngor Gwynedd / Anglesey County Council and £150,000 from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sara is delighted the Enterprise Hub can continue to give those who need it a commercial kickstart.

NRS’s Director of External Affairs, Bill Hamilton said: “We at NRS are happy to support schemes such as the Enterprise Hub through Menter Môn, which aims to support local communities as well as bring socio economic benefits. Menter Mon has played a pivotal role in enabling NRS to support growth here in North Wales and we look forward to seeing them continue to deliver on their projects.”

Sara added: “Our core services will remain and have gone from strength to strength.

“But the new support package will be a game changer for start-ups in the two counties, especially the £2,500 financial assistance which can be used for important long-term benefits, whether that be memberships, software, subscriptions to accounting packages, or using professionals such as accountants, graphic designers, or web developers.

“However, it’s much more than just a financial incentive, the overall wraparound scheme will give start-ups and anyone looking to launch a business all the support they need, including tips and advice from our database of experts in a wide range of fields.

“We have already had a very positive response and would like to thank everyone who has engaged with the Enterprise Hub – for more information on how we can help you please get in touch.”

For more on how the Enterprise Hub can help you start-up in business, email post@hwbmenter.cymru or call 01248 858 070.

Alternatively, visit www.hwbmenter.cymru or follow @hwbmenter on social media. 

News

Ukrainian water system helping farmers in Wales grow bigger and better fruit and veg

A VEGETABLE farmer has reaped the rewards following a successful trial of a revolutionary Ukrainian irrigation system.

Supported by Menter Mon’s Tech Tyfu vertical farming project – based on Anglesey – Snowdon Valley Farm has tested the Adam’s Water technology over past months and seen a significant increase in the size, quality and yield of its fruit and vegetables.

Warren Priestley, who together with Len and Gareth Griffith-Swain launched the farm business (Fferm Cwm yr Wyddfa) in Waunfawr two years ago, says the process destroys complex compounds of mineral fertilisers for better availability of nutrition, accelerating plant growth and fruit ripening.

It also improves the quality of saline, irrigation water, reduces the harmful effects of hydrocarbons on the plant and could lead to a 10% increase in yield.

“We are incredibly honoured to have been the first farm in the UK to use the Adam’s Water technology and have noticed a difference in our produce, particularly the tomatoes and cucumbers,” said Warren.

“We split the polytunnel into two halves and on the side using this process there was on average a 10% increase in size, and much more with certain varieties.

“It has also allowed us to weigh the produce, check the data and feed that back; we saw an immediate impact and because the produce lasts longer and there is superior growth it allows you to push the season a little longer.”

He added: “We are a small operation, but this could work on a much larger scale, there is no limit to the effect this will have on the sector.

“It is so simple to install, you just plug it in to main supply, add water and fertiliser and the feed becomes almost super-charged, you get faster growing plants, they’re a better quality and more resilient.

“As a result, we’ve been able to experiment and try different things, and after taking the tomatoes – our Y Ddraig Goch (Red Dragon) variety is very popular – to local restaurants they could also see the benefits.”

Warren now plans to slowly increase their operation and eventually plant a ‘food forest’ featuring a combination of local and national varieties of fruit, vegetables, and microgreens.

“We want to attract visitors to the area and promote the ‘grow your own’ ethos, especially given soaring costs at the supermarket,” he said.

“The Adam’s Water system will definitely help us to realise that vision, and there’s no doubt it could help others too.”

Tech Tyfu Senior Project Officer David Wylie said the project – driven by Menter Mon and Business Wales – could be a game-changer for growers across the country.

“Warren has demonstrated that the technology works, in just a matter of months he was able to diversify, try different methods and compare the outcomes,” said David.

“This is a brilliant innovation and the team behind it are keen to collaborate with farms and growers, especially given reports indicate just 6% of fruit and veg sold in the public sector in Wales is grown in Wales.

“We want to increase that number and encourage more and more people to buy local, to support independent producers and embrace sustainability.

“Adam’s Water could be a real driver for that, reducing harmful effects of hydrocarbons on plants, increasing yield, and improving the quality of saline, irrigation water – it is an amazing concept, and it works.”

Vitalii But from Adam’s Water thanked Snowdon Valley Farm, Business Wales, and Tech Tyfu for demonstrating the system’s capabilities.

“In the expansive landscape of Ukraine, farmers have adopted the Adam’s Water system for the past two years and it has benefited various crops like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries,” he said.

“Universally, all users have reported a significant boost in crop yield, improved disease resistance, and extended plant growth seasons. One Ukrainian farm even achieved a remarkable entry in the Ukrainian record book for the number of tomatoes harvested from a single bush, as a result of using this system – so it is making a very positive difference.”

Business Wales Relationship Manager Svetlana Ross added: “We take pride in our role in facilitating the introduction of this transformative technology, furthering our commitment to supporting new and existing businesses in Wales.

“We anticipate continued collaboration and the enduring success of the Adam’s Water system as it continues to revolutionise agriculture in the UK and on a global scale.”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu. 

Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/snowdonvalleyfarm/ or email snowdonvalleyfarm@hotmail.com for more on Snowdon Valley Farm.

Email adams.water.uk@icloud.com for more information on the Adam’s Water project.

News

Welsh vertical farming project extended after helping growers reach great heights

GROWERS across Wales reached great heights thanks to a revolutionary vertical farming project.

And following a successful two-year programme the groundbreaking Tech Tyfu initiative – delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Môn – is set to continue until Summer 2024 via Welsh Government’s Backing Local Firms Fund.

The Tech Tyfu Scale-Up project aimed to provide vertical farming equipment and businesses support to growers across the country, with a goal of developing local food supply chains for fresh produce.

Among the participants to praise the scale-up scheme were Chris and Donna Graves from Micro Acres Wales, based in Church Village, Pontypridd.

As well as crucial guidance and advice, they received equipment and support that helped them develop micro greens using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods.

Fresh from winning the Outstanding Restaurant Supplier of the Year Award at Food and Drink Awards Wales, Chris – a police custody officer who was diagnosed with rare brain condition Spinocerebellar Ataxia in 2019 – said the last few years have been a rollercoaster ride.

“We started growing microgreens after seeing something on social media and began with a tray of radish on a windowsill,” he said.

“From there things took off, we had to keep increasing the space it was taking up in the garage and now we are at the point of moving into a new 50ft x 28ft facility to accommodate the micro vegetables and edible flowers we are producing.

“We began supplying family, friends and neighbours during the pandemic, so to now be in this position, and to have just won such a prestigious award, is amazing.”

School teacher Donna added: “The help we had from Tech Tyu has gone beyond the equipment, they are only ever a phone call away and have been so encouraging, we really could not have done this without them.

“With the new unit especially, they believed in us and supported it when others didn’t. With their backing and that and that of the network of growers they introduced us to, we are excited for the future.

“There is a community on hand all helping one another, which is wonderful and together as a collective we are going from strength to strength thanks to Tech Tyfu.”

Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient use efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as allowing them to create the conditions necessary to grow out of season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.

Tech Tyfu Senior Project Officer David Wylie congratulated Chris and Donna on their success and says the impact of the scheme has been heartening.

“We have been with Micro Acres Wales and so many other growers on their journey over the last few years and seen the scale-up initiative go from strength to strength,” said David.

“As well as delivering bespoke, flood and drain vertical farming equipment, built by design engineer Wyn Griffith, we have been on hand for research and development, ran a series of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events and held stakeholder workshops for the cluster of growers, which reach across Wales.

He added: “Together we have achieved a lot in a short space of time, and now the project has been extended we can build on those foundations and do even more to support the food and drink industry and local independent producers and growers across Wales.”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu.

Visit www.microacreswales.co.uk for the latest news and information from Micro Acres Wales.

News

Welsh food and drink firms encouraged to capitalise on major procurement opportunities

FOOD and drink companies in Wales can access free one-to-one support to capitalise on major procurement opportunities in the public sector.

As part of its innovative Larder Cymru project, Menter Môn is targeting up to 50 producers and processors from across the country and rolling out mentoring and guidance sessions for successful applicants.

Funded by Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the scheme is focused on coordinating and strengthening relations within local supply chains to position regionally produced food and drink as a compelling proposal for large contracts nationwide.

Larder Cymru Project Manager Dafydd Jones said: “To complement this, interested parties can get in touch with us for one-to-one sessions where we can offer guidance and support on a range of issues, from procurement to marketing, supply chains and monitoring social value.

“These sessions will be crucial as we move forward as we will be able to explore how public sector opportunities benefit their organisation, gauge how much experience and expertise they have and establish key next steps, including an action plan, training and milestones.”

He added: “We are working with public sector purchasers, procurement officers and catering managers in a range of different organisations to understand their supply chain requirements and how we can bridge the gap for independent suppliers.

“We are also in discussions with wholesalers and looking at how small businesses can join forces to be included in tenders for bigger opportunities that would previously have been unavailable to them.

“The project’s overall aim is to strengthen support within the local supply chain to position locally produced food and drink so that it is a compelling proposal for large supply contracts.

“The project also looks at lowering the sector’s carbon footprint, increasing profitability for independent businesses in Wales and working towards a more supportive and sustainable arena for producers and the public sector.”

Menter Môn will continue to deliver community-driven, innovative projects that have a direct impact on communities in Wales, according to Dafydd.

“This is an example of an initiative that will have a huge effect on small businesses and independent suppliers in Wales while at the same time making a big impact nationally,” he said.

“By developing shorter supply chains, it will provide the opportunity for food producers and suppliers to go for bigger contracts, the produce will travel a shorter distance – providing environmental and financial benefits, notably given fuel price hikes – and this will in turn have a knock-on effect for employment and local industry.

“We add value by working with businesses, trainers and accreditors and referring the suppliers to the right people at the right time, ensuring communication channels are seamless and progress is made.

“If their products and services complement each other we can give them the best platform to secure contracts that will make a positive difference to local economies, the environment and communities across Wales for years to come.”

Larder Cymru attended the LACA – The School Food People Public Sector Catering expo held during the summer, where they were joined by leading food companies Henllan Bakery, Llaeth y Llan, Harlech Foodservice and Plas Farm, showcasing their produce to food buyers within the public sector ahead of further events later this year.

For more information, visit www.lardercymru.wales or email dafydd.jones@mentermon.com . Alternatively, follow @mentermon on social media.

News

Minister launches vertical farming Innovation Hub as microgreens project rolled out across Wales

A REVOLUTIONARY new climate-controlled facility designed to support a ground-breaking vertical farming project was officially launched today (Tuesday).

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, opened the Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub at M-SParc on Anglesey.

Delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Mon, with support from the Welsh Government, the pilot programme was a success with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey, who developed and supplied fresh micro greens to restaurants, hotels and consumers using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods.

The second phase of the initiative will see 13 growing sites across Wales supported by the Hub – which features a four-layer nutrient film technique rack system with a production capacity of 732 plant heads, flood and drain units, a grow room and a controlled environment chamber – over the next year.

Project Manager Luke Tyler thanked the Minister for attending and believes Tech Tyfu will play a major role in shaping the agri-technology economy nationwide, promoting food tourism, and strengthening supply chains.

“We are excited to open the new Innovation Hub, it will be pivotal in supporting the growers through research and development and horticulture training,” he said.

“From this cutting-edge facility we will trial new crops, growing methods, and equipment, working with academic and business partners to explore opportunities for crops and technology.

“We will also host an equipment library to encourage new growers to take their first steps into vertical farming without prohibitive costs.”

Luke added: “It was a pleasure to be able to demonstrate the progress made so far and our wider vision to the Minister – we thank her again for supporting the project and visiting us today.”

The Minister reinforced those words and said: “It’s great to see this innovation taking place on Anglesey with Welsh Government support.  Vertical farming has the potential to cut the length of supply chains, increase food security and cut carbon emissions.

“The new Innovation Hub will ensure Wales will be at the cutting-edge of agri-technology and horticultural research, and I’m pleased to officially launch it.”

Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient use efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as enabling them to create conditions necessary to grow out of season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.

Innovation Hub Project Officer Molly Poulter now looks forward to exploring further research and development opportunities over the coming months, providing farmers, businesses, and the food industry with more scope to diversify.

“The Hub will bridge the gap between research and development and commercialisation, all of which complements our work on the scale-up project,” she said.

“The initial focus will be on supporting the 13 growers, and long-term we plan to help businesses in different areas of farming and agri-technology with their product and system ideas.

“We will also be looking at the systems and machinery here and the technology supplied to the growers, using feedback to advance that further, and running training courses so people can learn more about vertical horticulture.

“We will continue testing the programme and are excited to seeing how things develop.”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu.

NOTES: Tech Tyfu is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

News

Sky is the limit for vertical farming project thanks to success of microgreen growers

AN INNOVATIVE vertical farming project will grow even further with the launch of a new accelerator programme.

For two years the Tech Tyfu pilot initiative – delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Mon – has worked with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey to develop fresh micro greens using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods.

Their success has seen the initiative Scale-Up to include more producers who will receive further advice and guidance, cutting-edge equipment and ongoing business and marketing support.

Promoting food tourism and strengthening the local supply chain in north west Wales, project officer David Wylie, based at M-SParc on Anglesey, says Tech Tyfu will give the agriculture sector a post-pandemic boost.

“We are delighted with the results and positive feedback received from the growers,” he said.

“They have demonstrated there is an appetite for tasty, fresh microgreens while securing sales from restaurants, independent stores and from consumers at food fairs and events.

“The next step is to open this up to more supply chains and measure success in other areas; along the way we will be exploring research and development opportunities and continuing to push the boundaries of innovation to highlight the benefits of vertical farming and open another channel for farmers, businesses, and the food industry to diversify.”

Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient use efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as allowing growers to create the conditions necessary to grow out of season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.

Among those taking part in the pilot project was Helen Bailey, director of Baileys and Partners chartered surveyors, based in Tyddyn Du, Llanbedr.

She and colleague Jodie Pritchard launched Tyfu’r Tyddyn Microgreens from a traditional stone barn at her Snowdonia home and have been heartened by the outcome having delivered to caterers, pubs, restaurants, and retail customers including the Old Cheese Market Deli in Harlech.

“We were aware of vertical farms in other areas of the UK so the opportunity to join the Tech Tyfu project was exciting and enabled us to show proof of concept to our customers, something we have a strong reputation for as a company,” said Helen.

“The topography and climate here in North Wales do not complement conventional growing methods. However, vertical farming in its controlled environment allows you to grow staples such as broccoli, radish, pea shoots and kale – crops not native to this region.”

She added: “We will be working with allotment growers to encourage vertical farming methods, and, importantly, looking to spread the message about the mental health and wellbeing benefits there are to this.”

Those words were echoed by Warren Priestley (pictured), who together with Len and Gareth Griffith-Swain launched Snowdon Valley Farm (Fferm Cwm Yr Wyddfa) in Waunfawr last April.

Warren hails from an organic growing background and was drawn in by the benefits vertical farming could offer, namely the reliability and predictability of harvests, reduced water use and fewer pest issues.

“I had experimented with the concept six years ago on a basic level and noticed the plants started in a controlled environment were stronger and healthier,” he said.

“Working with Tech Tyfu has taken it to another level, they’ve always been on hand with support and advice, organising brilliant webinars with market leaders in the sector and even taking us on a study trip to Light Science Technologies horticulture research laboratory.”

Warren added: “We now grow a good selection of microgreens, herbs and exotic mushrooms having faced a few challenges early on which encouraged us to change the crops from leafy greens.

“After testing the market with small quantities, we sold out, and within five weeks business took off to the point we are now at maximum capacity continuously.

“The support we have received from the local hospitality sector has been fantastic and the success of our produce means we will now double the space for growing mushrooms and build a new grow room for microgreens that is five times the current size, with space for research and development.

“Vertical farming is one of the fastest growing sectors and we are fortunate to have Tech Tyfu promoting it. The work they do with schools will normalise this new way of growing food and by doing so the next generation will be able to embrace it.”

Another to embrace the process was Sheena Lewis, founder of Tyfu Eryri, Llanberis.

She began growing micro coriander, pea shoots and a range of microgreens in January and has never looked back.

“The pilot scheme has been fantastic, and interest has risen throughout the year, so I now have several volunteers and workers helping me to meet demand,” said Sheena, who also runs a landscaping business and has more than 15 years’ experience in growing.

“The support we’ve received from Tech Tyfu, including the initial research and equipment they provided, has been invaluable to the point we are now scaling-up and really excited to see how things develop over the next 12 months – it’s going to be a lot of fun!”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu.