Hydroponics is the way forward
Engineer-turned-farmer is empowering communities
SINCE making the move from engineering to hydroponic farming, Hillcrest farmer Bradley Gooding has been empowering the underprivileged in the industry with skills to improve their trade.
Five years ago Gooding, 50, a qualified engineer, abandoned his career to start ICL Urban Farming.
He leased 20 000m2 of hydroponic roof tunnels, where he grows crops in about 30 000 pots.
It was previously a fertile farm surrounded by sugarcane, which had been in operation for over 30 years. Changing from one field to something completely different was challenging, but perseverance and careful planning meant he overcame obstacles.
“Strategic planning and research are the key: planning what to plant and when to plant is crucial to maintaining production,” he said.
After a successful transition he has embarked on a programme to equip rural farmers with urban farming skills.
Gooding said when he heard that the previous owner retired and that the farm had changed hands a few times, he felt for the workers who had been there for many years.
“I did not want this farm to die and I was also tired of the pressure in the engineering industry, and of working for other people,” he said.
“I have come from a large corporate background in the manufacturing and production industry and I have found the farming skills here (on the farm).”
Gooding says hydroponic farming is challenging and labour-intensive. He has employed more than 40 people to work on the farm.
“It might look like an easy job with a good watering system, but each plant needs constant attention,” he noted.
Gooding produces mostly cucumbers and other vegetables such as spinach, peppers and green beans.
He produces about 15 000 cucumbers a week, which he supplies to local fresh produce markets and restaurants.
Cucumbers grow vertically in the tunnels against pieces of string. They grow in about a month and need to be monitored as the plants must be tightened against the string as they grow to maximise the harvest.
Gooding said he loved hydroponics because it was a very efficient way to farm. The harvest was also protected from harsh weather conditions.
“We do not need a lot of water as we drip-feed the plants. They are supplied with organic fertilisers and we have our own water supply, which comes from a natural underground source,” he said.
“Winter is very challenging as cucumber, our main crop, does not grow well in the cold. We then plant additional winter crops such as spinach, green beans and baby marrows.”
Gooding said disease was a daily problem. He advised that a good farmer always needed to be proactive and treat for pests and diseases before they got out of control. “We believe in an organic solution to treat the problem,” he said.
Gooding also raised the issue of the toxic waste from the landfill in Shongweni used by Enviroserv.
He said it has had a negative impact on their crops, lowering their production and affecting the overall health of both plants and workers, most of whom live on the farm.
Gooding’s farm is open to anyone seeking skills and training in hydroponic farming.
Most of his employees come from rural areas and this motivated him to give back by equipping rural communities with hydroponic farming skills.
“We are currently assisting in a skills transfer programme, and intend building a second hydroponic farm in the uthukela district areas such as Msinga, Greytown and umvoti, which will benefit the local community and feed the schools in that area with vegetables grown on that farm,” he said.
“Growing vegetables is very rewarding. Planting a seed and watching it grow gives one a sense of accomplishment. Plants show you when they are not happy. The main rule is do not over-water and never under-water,” said Gooding.
He recommended hydroponics as a system for the future with climate change affecting the world. He said hydroponics required less space, less water and fewer chemicals, and was therefore more productive with a far healthier product for the consumer.
“I believe a hydroponic system is the way of the future, as climate change and land availability is going to put pressure on our ability to grow and feed the people,” he said.