A new prospectus that aims to increase high tech food production in Wales has been launched by the Welsh government.

According to a government spokesperson, the new vision also aims to have a positive impact on climate change.

The new Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) prospectus aims to see growth in the number of businesses using technology to provide sustainable systems of growing food where parameters and conditions such as water and light are tightly controlled.

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths visited CEA-established business S&A Produce in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan to launch the prospectus and see the work they do to produce soft fruit, including strawberries, all year around.

The Welsh government stated that the CEA programme has a positive impact on climate change “with systems developed on a circular economy model including recycled heat and nutrients, renewable energy and helping ensure minimal food waste.”

This form of food growth, the Welsh government explained, complements traditional agriculture and horticulture methods by producing the crops which cannot be easily grown in Wales and supplying produce all year round.

“A real opportunity”

Griffiths said: “Creating a stronger, greener and fairer Wales is at the heart of what we want to achieve. We all have concerns about climate change, declining natural resources and population growth – and the impact it has on the food on our plates.

“Controlled Environment Agriculture has the potential to transform the food supply chain while lowering our carbon footprint and the environmental impact of food production.”

She added: “Together we have a real opportunity to deliver a greener Wales now and for our future generations.”