Keeping vertical farming on an upward trajectory
TECH TYFU INITIATIVE SEEKING TO ACCELERATE SECTOR’S GROWTH
AN innovative vertical farming project is launching an accelerator programme in an attempt to turbocharge the sector in North Wales.
For two years the Tech Tyfu pilot initiative has worked with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey to develop micro greens using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods. Their success has led to the launch of the Scale-up initiative to include more producers. They will receive advice and guidance, cutting-edge equipment and ongoing business and marketing support.
Project officer David Wylie, based at M-sparc, Anglesey, believes Tech Tyfu - delivered by Menter Môn - will give the agriculture sector a post-pandemic boost. Its growers have shown there is a demand for fresh microgreens from restaurants, independent stores and at food fairs.
“The next step is to open this up to more supply chains and measure success in other areas, he said. “Along the way we will be exploring research and development opportunities and continuing to push the boundaries of innovation.”
Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient efficiency and facilitates out-of-season crops.
Below are three North Wales growers who have embraced vertical farming through Tech Tyfu.
Tyfu’r Tyddyn Microgreens 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 stone barn at her Snowdonia home and they have been heartened by its progress. Already they are delivering to caterers, pubs, restaurants and retail customers, including the Old Cheese Market Deli in Harlech.
“The opportunity to join the Tech Tyfu project enabled us to show proof of concept to our customers,” 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 to this.”
Snowdon Valley Farm Warren Priestley, 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 saw vertical farming as a way to deliver harvest reliability and predictability, along with 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”, he said. As well as providing support advice and webinars, it organised a study trip to Light Science Technologies horticulture research laboratory.
Warren said: “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. The
success of our produce means we will now double the space for growing mushrooms and build a new grow room for microgreens five times the current size, with space for research and development.”
Warren said vertical farming is one of the fastest growing agri sectors and Tech Tyfu is doing a great job 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,” he added.
Tyfu Eryri
Gwynedd’s Sheena Lewis has embraced vertical farming through the business she founded, Tyfu Eryri in Llanberis.
In January, she began growing micro coriander, pea shoots and range of microgreens – and has never looked back.
“The pilot scheme has been fantastic, and interest has risen throughout the year,” said Sheena, who also runs a landscaping business and has more than 15 years’ experience in growing.
“I now have several volunteers and workers helping me to meet demand. 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. I’m really excited to see how things develop over the next 12 months – it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
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