Edge Hill scientist launches greenhouse project to improve crop yields

A new project chaired by a scientist at Edge Hill University will look to enhance greenhouse technology to improve the UK's crop yields.

Estimates from the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium suggest that 70 per cent of greenhouses in the UK are over 40 years old. Greenhouses, compared to outside growing, can provide all year round food. However, the sector in the UK has had very little investment and growth.

The GIC is lead by Dr Sven Batke (pictured), reader in plant science at Edge Hill University, and comprises researchers, growers and manufacturers.

The collaboration with Pilkington UK (a member of NSG Group), Philipps, FlavourFresh, CambridgeHOK and GlassFutures will accelerate innovation and propel the industry forward by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

Dr Batke said: "The UK greenhouse industry possesses immense potential to play a leading role in sustainable food production. However, navigating complex challenges requires collective action and innovative solutions. 

“The GIC brings together the collective expertise and resources of leading players across the industry to create a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation and drives positive change. 

"In the UK, we are still heavily reliant on food imports from abroad. For example, 80 per cent of fruit and over half of vegetables are being imported. This reliance has made the UK very vulnerable." 

The consortium aims to develop cutting-edge technologies to enhance crop quality, yield and resilience, while helping growers improve the way they use their resources to develop more sustainable practices.

It will also work to increase capacity in the greenhouse manufacturing sector by leading grower-informed product development.

The work will include providing scientific evidence on new materials and practices to help businesses make better decisions, and providing training and networking opportunities to enable knowledge transfer and innovation.

Dr Anna Colley from Pilkington UK, said: "We recently launched Pilkington Botanical, a dedicated greenhouses glass range, that has been designed to help growers to optimise the light growing environment in their greenhouses. By partnering up with GIC members we can run more commercially realistic trials and develop more customer-focused products." 

The UK greenhouse market is relatively small compared to other countries in Europe. 

Noel O'Leary from CambridgeHOK added: "The UK industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, while dwarfed by the Netherlands, and the associated efficiencies this drives, innovation such as this, helps to level the playing field. It’s great to see the UK once again driving global innovations."  

David Barker from FlavourFresh said: "As a business it has been challenging in the past few years. Spiking energy prices and Brexit, as well as skilled staff shortages, have made businesses like ours vulnerable. We joined the GIC as we believe that only through innovation can we build capacity and resilience."