Green Living

GreenLiving

MICRO MARVELS

A revolutionary new facility designed to support the farming technology of the future has been launched by Lesley Griffiths MS on Anglesey

The Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub, at M-SParc on Anglesey, was officially opened by Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales & Trefnydd. The project, which has been delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Mon, with backing from the Welsh Government, will support 13 sites across Wales as growers develop and supply a range of micro-crops commercially.

Vertical farming – growing in tiers, under artificial light and heat rather than in the ground – allows growers to control the environment of their crop, making more efficient use of water and space. The resulting microgreen are rich in nutrients, and have a concentrated flavour that is increasingly popular. The technology also enables produce to be grown out of season, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging and refrigeration costs.

Cutting-edge

A pilot programme was such a success with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey –who were able to supply fresh microgreens to restaurants, hotels and consumers – that the second phase of the initiative is underway. Project manager Luke Tyler said: “We are excited to open the new Innovation Hub. It will be pivotal in supporting growers through research and development, and horticulture training. From this cutting-edge facility we will trial new crops, growing methods and equipment, working with academic and business partners to explore opportunities for crops and technology. We will also host an equipment library to encourage new growers to take their first steps into vertical farming without prohibitive costs.” Innovation Hub project officer Molly Poulter said: “The Hub will bridge the gap between research and development and commercialisation, all of which complements our work on the scaleup project. The initial focus will be on supporting the 13 growers. Long term, we plan to help businesses in different areas of farming and agri-technology with their product and system ideas.”

The Innovation Hub features a four-layer, nutrient film technique rack system with a production capacity of 732 plant heads, flood and drain units, grow room and a controlled environment chamber.

Lesley Gri ths MS (centre) with the Tech Tyfu team

“It will be pivotal in supporting growers”

Crops are grown in tiered racks

BRIGHT IDEA

The sun is shining on an ambitious North Wales business that is planning to beat the energy crisis by going solar. Ruthin-based development company Turner Bros, which previously turned its headquarters on the Hen Lon Parcwr trading estate into a hub for small businesses, is now planning for a renewable future.

It has had two 10-kilowatt systems installed by Rawson EV Power of Wrexham at Birch House, the site of the former Venue nightclub. With current annual savings at £2,500 – but certain to rise as gas and electricity prices rocket – the scheme could pay for itself in as little as three years.

Gregg White, Rawson EV technical manager, said: “We’ve installed one 10-kilowatt array on Birch House and another on a row of units rented by different businesses. In all, the system should produce about 9,000 kilowatt hours “I’ve of electricity a year, or enough to power literally three homes. Ninety percent of that will be seen the light” used by the businesses here and 10 percent will be fed back into the grid. The initial system we have installed is going to save thousands of pounds a year.” Gareth Turner, managing director of Turner Bros, said: “It has been something I have thought about for a while but I wasn’t convinced – until now. I’ve literally seen the light. The increase in the cost of energy, especially for a business that isn’t protected by the Gregg White, Rawson EV Gregg White, Rawson EV price cap, made me take the plunge and I’m already seeing a saving. technical manager And it’s making us cleaner and greener as well.”

The advantages of solar energy are clear