Two West Sussex strawberry growers have successfully produced 38 tonnes of strawberries for the Christmas period using a new vertical growing technique. This innovative method allows for year-round production and significantly reduces water consumption.
Strawberry-growers have developed new techniques to allow Britons to enjoy home-grown fruit for Christmas Day. The two producers in West Sussex have produced 38 tonnes of strawberries for the Christmas period – an increase of 40% on last year. The new system, supported by Tesco, requires 50% less water and yields 3.5 times more fruit per square metre to enable a constant supply of strawberries all year round.
The two growers are Wicks Farm, based in Ford, near Arundel and The Summer Berry Company (TSBC) based in Colworth, near Chichester. Explaining the vertical growing technique used, David Moore, managing director of Wicks Farm, said: “This is grown hydroponically, with a water feed instead of in soil, in multiple stacked layers in an indoor environment. “This guarantees yields while improving the supply of healthy, nutritious food and minimising the miles involved in its distribution.” TSBC, the UK’s largest grower of greenhouse strawberries, will grow its first winter strawberries after a £6 million installation of the new technology.David Sanclement, TSBC’s chief executive, explained the investment would reduce the use of a combined heat and power system along with a water or air source heat pump, site-wide heat network and LED lighting would reduce the site’s reliance on fossil fuels. The strawberries are being grown with hydroponics – using a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil (Tesco/Ben Stevenson’s Media/PA) He said: “We’re all familiar with British strawberries at Wimbledon and Royal Ascot but not so used to them being served on Christmas Day after the Turkey.Tesco buying manager, Callum Baker, said: “These are only very early days in the advent of winter strawberry production in the UK but the 38 tonnes produced by our two growers are a very exciting step in the right directio
Strawberries Vertical Farming Hydroponics Christmas Food Production
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Dyson is right to fight for British strawberriesThe UK’s largest commercial farmer is trying to create a berry brand against intense global competition
Read more »
Two major energy suppliers giving families free electricity on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing DayEnergy suppliers are giving customers free electricity over the festive period – here’s how to claim
Read more »
Keep strawberries fresh for two weeks with expert's simple storage tipStrawberries are a delicious and healthy snack, but they often only stay fresh for a few days - so experts have shared a simple hack to make them last for weeks
Read more »
E.ON, British Gas and EDF customers can slash electricity bills on Christmas DayEDF and E.ON are both offering free electricity over the festive period, while British Gas customers will get their bills cuts in half
Read more »
The Real British Christmas SpiritThis article humorously explores the British approach to Christmas, highlighting the contrast between the stereotypical image of high tea and scones and the reality of chippie dinners, builder's tea, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Read more »
A History of British Royal Christmas CardsFrom Princess Mary's wartime greetings to Princess Diana's glamorous shots, the British royal family's Christmas cards offer a glimpse into history and changing social norms.
Read more »