John Baarda Ltd is stamping its mark on British tomato history, by developing a year-round tomato glasshouse.
The Yorkshire tomato producer has begun building a record-breaking 38-acre greenhouse at its Billingham site in Tees Valley.
The greenhouse facilities will be heated and lit throughout the winter months to bring the first ever over-wintered British tomatoes to Sainsbury’s and Somerfield shelves.
A ground-breaking deal has been struck with Terra Nitrogen (UK), which will allow John Baarda to significantly reduce its energy bill and exercise greater control over a key cost going forward.
Energy costs represent 35 per cent of tomato production, and remain notoriously unstable, and John Baarda aims to become the “least cost tomato producer” for its UK customer base.
In what has been described by Tees Valley Regeneration as a a perfect example of “industrial symbiosis”, Terra Nitrogen’s nearby fertiliser plant will be used to heat and grow the crop. The glasshouse is anticipated to use upwards of 12,500 tonnes of Terra’s carbon dioxide emissions each year, gas that would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere.
The glasshouses will also be supplied with electricity from Terra, and the combined package has been secured at specially agreed rates.
The new project will produce a number of vine tomato varieties - the first fruit will be picked in December.
Sainsbury’s buyer Clancy McMahon said: “This is one of the defining moments of British crop production. For the very first time, our grey skies won’t hinder the supply of British tomatoes which taste just as good as they do in Italy and Spain. The efficiencies of this site are such that we will be able to ensure our customers the freshest product available.”
Dominic Edwards, at Somerfield, added: “Creating the UK’s first commercially viable over-wintered tomato is a massive opportunity for John Baarda Ltd. We are extremely pleased to support them and look forward to the first crop in December.”
David Baarda, managing director, said the project is a real boost for British agriculture and supports the UK fresh produce industry as a whole: “Increasing our glasshouse facilities to this extent will have a massive impact on our business. Not only will it provide our chosen supermarkets’ customers with English-grown tomatoes in the winter months, but it will also streamline our business, increase year-round yields and drive better financial efficiency. Thanks must go to all parties involved in making this project come together and in particular HSBC for its support and confidence in the venture.”
The revolutionary site is being constructed in two phases; 23 acres in October, and the final 15 acres in 2007-08.
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