Earlier this month, key players from the British Growers Association, the Tomato Grower Association, local government, and the private and higher education sectors - including Flavour Fresh, Pilkington (NSG Group), Cambridge HOK, Edge Hill University, and the University of Lancaster - gathered for a pivotal discussion on the future of the UK's greenhouse industry.
Hosted by the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium (GIC) at Edge Hill University, the meeting also included a site visit to the NSG European Technical Centre in Lathom, reinforcing the collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers.
Sensor installation as part of some of the current GIC work at Flavour Fresh.
Organized by the GIC, the meeting served as a high-level think tank to address both the challenges and opportunities facing the UK's greenhouse sector. GIC Chair Dr. Sven Batke highlighted the importance of the discussions: "This was a vital opportunity to bring together key stakeholders and explore solutions that can drive real change in the industry."
As part of the agenda, GIC researchers presented ongoing projects, including a detailed spatial mapping of Britain's greenhouse sector. Dr. Nathan Thomas explained, "Mapping the sector is just the first step. We are developing a geographical model that will optimize greenhouse expansion and provide essential data to support government policy and targeted incentives for growers."
A sector in need of government support
Historically, the UK horticulture sector has received minimal government backing, leaving growers and manufacturers in a state of uncertainty. Dr. Batke pointed out that other European countries have successfully implemented targeted investments and incentive schemes, with measurable economic and environmental benefits.
"The UK has some very skilled and innovative growers, but they need better support. Now is the time to modernize and bring British horticulture into the 21st century," he emphasized.
David Barker from Flavour Fresh echoed this sentiment: "Collaboration across sectors is key to driving change. We need to work together to overcome challenges and create sustainable solutions."
From left to right: Dr Sven Batke (Edge Hill University), Philip Savage (Pilkington - NSG Group), Mike Mccullough (Lancashire Council), Nathalie Key (British Tomato Grower Association) & John Walgate (British Growers Association), visiting the NSG Technical Centre as part of the meeting discussions on greenhouse glass optimisation.
A growing network for change
The GIC, officially launched in the summer of 2024 after years of collaboration, continues to build bridges between growers, manufacturers, industry associations, and academia. Dr. Batke reinforced the consortium's mission: "At GIC, our focus is on knowledge-sharing and problem-solving. By working together, we can create tailored solutions that benefit the entire industry."
For more information:
Dr. Sven Batke, Chair of the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium
[email protected]
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/person/sven-batke/staff/
