Plans to “boost” home grown fruit and vegetable production and “drive the growth” of high-tech horticulture have been set out by environment secretary Ranil Jayawardena.
The plans have been launched as part of the government’s work in what it describes as unleashing the potential of British farming.
According to Jayawardena, glasshouse growing, a form of controlled environment horticulture, has “multiple” economic, food security and sustainability benefits, but the sector currently represents only 10% of English horticultural businesses.
He added that this means the UK only grows 25% of the cucumbers and 17% of the tomatoes supplied domestically, however businesses operating with this model are “already reaping benefits”, from extended growing seasons, efficient water usage and higher yields per square metre.
With a view to “kickstart efforts” in growing the horticulture sector and “boost” domestic production, Jayawardena confirmed a £12.5m investment in automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme. The fund opens in January 2023 with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The minister has also announced that he will appoint an industry expert to work with him and colleagues across the edible and ornamental sectors to build a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities in controlled environment horticulture.
According to Jayawardena, he has written to “major” controlled environment horticulture growers to “seek the industry’s views on how HM Government can best support its expansion and ensure government policies best reflect industry needs.”
Later this year, Jayawardena is to put forward details of plans on how he “will increase food security whilst strengthening the resilience and role of farmers as stewards of the British countryside.”
Jayawardena commented: “We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment.
“Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further. We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production – technology offers huge opportunities to make farming greener and more productive, so we should harness it to help grow the economy, create jobs, and improve food security too.”
