Tag Archives: Vertical Farming

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

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.

Farming, News

Duncan Bannatyne Endorses the World of Vertical Farming

Duncan Bannatyne brings his expertise and entrepreneurial skill to agricultural technology company, Innovation Agri-Tech Group (‘IAG’), having joined the Board of the Company as a Non-Executive Director.

Bannatyne, best known for founding the Bannatyne Group which in 2006 became the largest independent chain of Health Clubs in the UK, has a unique set of entrepreneurial skills, a bank of knowledge, and true business dexterity.

Having joined the Royal Navy at just 15, Bannatyne started his business career at the young age of 20 on Jersey, buying an ice cream van for just £450, before eventually selling the business in order to fund Quality Care Homes – a care home business he sold for £26 million in 1996 – and a children’s nursery chain Just Learning, which was sold for £22 million. Bannatyne is a philanthropist and author of seven books, and famous for being a business angel on BBC TV’s ‘Dragon’s Den’. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to charity. His vision, values and passion for enabling successful business launches in the UK and globally, make him such a valuable addition to the board.

Mr Bannatyne joins the IAG board as a Non-Executive Director, having been impressed by the technology developed by the team at IAG  and how the future of vertical farming is set to revolutionise the way that we grow food on a global scale.

Duncan Bannatyne, Non-Executive Director at IAG, comments: “On visiting the IAG farm, I was quite amazed at how simple it is to grow food indoors and – importantly – vertically. There is no denying the massive issues effecting people today – such as the terrible situation in Ukraine. However, this isn’t by any means the sole factor when considering the global food shortage which has been apparent for decades. As populations continue to grow, we need a new way of producing food as traditional farming methods alone aren’t meeting demand, and in my opinion vertical farming is the perfect solution. It complements the work farmers around the world are already doing, and by using aeroponic technology it combats the issues of soil degradation, food miles, seasonality and water useage.

“While many might see vertical farming as some strange Sci-Fi project, it’s certainly anything but. Once set up, it’s easy to use and can quickly grow a range of produce which is high in nutrition, as well as tasting fantastic. This is exciting – and it’s only the beginning. I’m looking forward to the journey with IAG  – and how vertical farming will play an increasingly vital role in the food chain supply moving into the future.

Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agri-Tech Group says: “We’re delighted to welcome Duncan to the board of IAG. Having such a fantastic ambassador for vertical farming can only be beneficial for us as we look to take our business from the R&D phase to market. It’s a really exciting moment and we genuinely believe that vertical farming is the technology of the future.”