WORCESTERSHIRE’s burgeoning vertical farming industry got a boost thanks to a two-day masterclass into the innovative method at Perhore College.
More than 20 businesses, academics and individuals had the chance to explore all aspects of growing crops in vertically stacked layers as well as talks and presentations from leading industry experts in the fields of hydroponics, aquaculture and water filtration.
Professor Roy Kennedy, who leads the Agri-Tech Research Centre, was also on hand to offer a talk and a tour of the college’s vertical farming educational facilities .
The event was the first in a series of free specialist business support schemes organised by GrowAgri Worcestershire, a £2million economic development project delivered by the college in partnership the European Regional Development Fund.
Launched in November, the programme is tasked with supporting the development of the county’s agritech sector and participation is open to eligible small to medium-sized Worcestershire businesses.
Nigel Haines, owner of Wise Water Solutions, said: “I found the two-day event thought provoking, allowing insight into other companies’ issues and problem-solving regarding their waste streams and how they deal with them.
“The information gathered will allow us to move forward in achieving our aims to look into developing markets, so we can apply our patented UV technology in the treatment of turbid liquids and odour control.”
Vertical farming technologies have experienced a recent revival as the world faces issues surrounding an ever-growing population and climate change, resulting in an increased focus on producing food sustainably.
Growing crops vertically uses a smaller area of land and soilless techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics promises more nutrition, higher levels of productivity and is more sustainable through lower water usage.
GrowAgri project manager Mark Harwood-Browne said: “The team is delighted our first specialist agri-tech event generated so much interest from a wide variety of businesses and individuals from Worcestershire and beyond.
“Those who attended told us it was really beneficial and has increased their knowledge and understanding of vertical farming and its huge potential.
Visit www.wcg.ac.uk/growagri or call Mark Harwood-Browne on 0300 135 7179 for more.
