Ocado-backed farming business Jones Food Company has today officially opened a “coming-of-age” vertical farm in Gloucestershire.
Vertical farms grow crops stacked vertically in buildings with strict light and temperature control. The new site in Lydney, which grows 12 different types of herbs and salad leaves, runs on 100% renewable energy and uses technology across water usage and irrigation, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and automation, as reported by So Glos.
Jones Food Company chief executive and founder James Lloyd-Jones said the farm represents “a coming-of-age” for agriculture in the UK.
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“We have now cracked the code for accessible, sustainable, premium food being grown all-year-round, at a super-competitive price.
“Commercial success in this sector has always been the challenge, but this farm smashes it.
‘There is a place for small urban vertical farms, but size, scale and affordability are how the vertical farm revolution really delivers.
“Technology and sustainability, when married at this kind of scale, revolutionise food production, combat climate change, ensure food security, address labour issues and maximise efficiency.”
Head of growing Glyn Stephens added: “A lot of vertical farmers have focused on lights, but temperature and humidity control are where the real energy guzzle has traditionally been, this is why it’s been a core focus for us opening this new site.”
1 Comment. Leave new
Food grown in this way is unnatural and not what I want to eat. Pure sunlight, good soil, and water are far better. NO THANKS!