Adapting to the new age of farming
Are the supply issues we have been experiencing the catalyst needed for reforming procurement practices with retailer supply chains within the fresh produce industry?
Controlled environment horticulture involves using technology to provide a more consistent and extended crop growing season. Techniques such as glasshouses and vertical farming can control temperature, light, carbon dioxide levels and other factors essential for crop growth and optimise productivity.
If we compare the situation here and in the Netherlands, where such horticulture is the norm. With similar climatic conditions but only 17% of the land mass, the Dutch still manage to be the second largest food exporter in the world and provide the UK with a large percentage of its imported salad.
With the introduction of modern glasshouse facilities and new growing techniques, much of this production could be carried out in the UK. However, such horticulture is a heavy user of fossil fuel energy. We have to balance our aims to be more self-sufficient, thus helping to avoid the numerous price fluctuations and supply issues we have seen this year, with the need to reduce our environmental impact.