Norfolk Farm Produce is a family-owned business in the village of Beeston, Norfolk.

It specialises in the production of potatoes, rhubarb and carrots. Managing director Chris Griffin and Andrew Horningold from the management team have made it their mission to enhance the farm’s eco credentials and have taken a number of steps towards that.

What have you had installed?

“The first 15m high Windcrop turbine was installed at the company’s Drury Farm site in October 2011.

“They were so impressed with the process they later chose to have a further three turbines erected at a second site, Crossways Farm, in December 2011.”

Was it a worthwhile investment?

“The electricity generated from the turbine at Drury Farm helps to power the water treatment plant for use in the carrot washing process. The turbines at Crossways Farm help power the farm’s workshop and all the machinery this involves, including the storage facilities and the irrigation pumps based close to the farmyard. We’re really happy to be taking another step in the green direction. Plus with the cost of fuel increasing, free energy production has made it a lot easier to reduce our electricity bills.”

What information would you pass on to others thinking of doing the same?

“The installation was hassle free and there was very little disruption to the everyday workings of the farm. The turbines are relatively small and are strategically placed to cause the least impact on the landscape. We have a herd of Highland cattle and they don’t seem to mind in the slightest. We would encourage anyone with a suitable plot of land to consider a turbine; the benefits speak for themselves. Businesses have a responsibility to think about a sustainable future.”

Dutch tomato producer Jami recently installed a hybrid lighting system on three hectares of land. The first harvest is expected in the second week of January, says partner Andy de Jong.

What have you had installed?

“The hybrid installation is a combination of HID and LED lighting; Philips GreenPower Plus 1,000W top lighting (HID) and a double row of Philips GreenPower LED interlighting. The LEDs give off an impressive purple glow, though the white top light makes it bright enough for us to work without difficulty. We keep the lights on all day until six o’clock in the evening. It’s great to see the plants develop and grow under the light – these bunches look promising already!”

Was it a worthwhile investment?

“Given the combination of additional production per square metre, efficient energy consumption and the average prices for winter tomatoes, we consider the investment to be a sensible one.

“Of course I notice that the sector is looking closely at what will happen here – after all, we are the first to invest in hybrid lighting to this extent.

“We’re certain that it’s a sound and forward-looking investment.”

What information would you pass on to others thinking of doing the same?

“This completely depends on various aspects; for instance, the current situation but also the targets and expectations of the company in question. You should also ask yourself what you want to accomplish: is it energy saving and/or increasing production?

“Also, bear in mind that installing LED and HID lighting will affect the entire growing process – it’s important to assess the impact it will have on your particular crop and the temperature levels in the greenhouse.”

Clive Baxter, owner of JL Baxter and Son, is a top-fruit and stonefruit grower in Maidstone, Kent. He has had solar panels fitted to the roof of his coldstore.

What have you had installed?

“We had a 50 kilowatt solar PV array installed by M3 Solar in November 2011. I had been reading about the technology and it seemed like an interesting option.”

Was it a worthwhile investment?

“When I spoke to my bank manager to apply for a loan to fund it, I was told that although a lot of people were expressing interest in solar panels, I was one of the few people who actually took the plunge. The manufacturer was predicting returns on investment that seemed very favourable, and the result has actually exceeded those predictions – even though 2012 was a poor year for sunshine.

“I am now about to put an additional 150 kilowatts up this year. The predictions are better than they were in 2011, because the cost of the panels has been reduced.”

What information would you pass on to others thinking of doing the same?

“Get competitive quotes. I would also advise anyone thinking of installing solar panels to ensure that the roof you put it on is structurally sound and can take the weight of the panels, and that it is facing the right direction, i.e. not north west.” —