We’ve had numerous examples in recent weeks demonstrating how UK growers are adapting to the challenges of meeting retailers’ demands for environmentally friendly, energy efficient, year-round home grown food.
Baarda’s production at Billingham coming on stream; Flavourfresh’s new glass to supply M&S; the first plantings at British Sugar’s new greenhouse in Norfolk - all are examples of UK growers competing with the best and using the most efficient technology available.
But clearly there is still some way to go. While we still hail the appearance of a partnership involving CHP, horticulture and the energy sector - and rightly so - this sort of thing is second nature to the likes of the Dutch.
It is incredible to think that the glasshouse industry in the Netherlands is responsible for over 20 perecent of the nation’s electricity supply. Such a figure would be utterly impossible without major collaborative impetus led by the government and involving growers and the energy sector.
Until there is some leadership from the top on this here in the UK, stories like Cornerways Nurseries will remain isolated successes.