A UNIQUE farm in Lydney has developed a pioneering agricultural project to grow salad products ‘vertically’ as it embraces modern technology and innovative methods.
This local initiative aims to establish itself as one of the world's largest vertical farms in the world after investing £23 million in the facility in Old Forge Place.
The facility is owned by the Jones Food Company and currently produces an impressive 16,000 bags of salad every day, highlighting the efficiency and productivity of vertical farming methods.
Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach that involves stacking crops in layers within controlled indoor environments. By doing so, it maximises land use efficiency and significantly reduces resource consumption compared to traditional farming methods.
James Lloyd-Jones, chief executive of the company, recently spoke about the project on BBC’s Farming Today, highlighting how vertical farming allows for year-round production of high-quality crops.
“This capability reduces our reliance on imported goods and ensures a steady supply of fresh, locally grown produce regardless of the season,” he said.
“We opened this farm in Gloucestershire because it is well located for us in terms of distribution centres and customers.
"There’s a good motorway network, strong labour candidate pool, and there are established growers of a variety of produce in that area so the skillset is established in the area which we can lean on."
The facility is equipped with technologies such as LED lighting and hydroponic systems, which create optimal growing conditions for plants. These advancements enable the farm to achieve crop yields up to 100 times greater per square meter compared to traditional farms.
The facility also allows for control in temperature and humidity to assist growth. Head of growing, Glyn Stephens, explained: “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.”
The company states that growing crops locally and sustainably supports food security in the local community and economic growth. It also creates significant opportunities for an increase in employment.
Mr Lloyd-Jones said: “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.
“Technology and sustainability, when married at this kind of scale, revolutionises food production, combat climate change, ensure food security, address labour issues and maximise efficiency.”
The food company has been backed by retail giant Ocado in this venture. The group’s chief financial officer, Stephen Daintith, said: “We are passionate about the long-term potential of vertical farming for both the food industry and for the environment. This vertical farm is an important strategic investment for Ocado and represents a significant step forward in this exciting and transformational space.
This farm serves as a model for sustainable agriculture that can be replicated across the region. It demonstrates how innovative farming practices can address food production challenges while preserving natural resources.