Five of the six projects funded by Growing Kent & Medway could boost sustainability of fruit and veg production in the region
Growing Kent & Medway has awarded grants totalling £200,000 to six local businesses as part of its Business Sustainability Challenge.
The research, innovation and enterprise cluster said each project aims to find a commercial and environmentally sustainable solution to a specific challenge faced by local plant-based food and drink supply chains.
A diverse range of projects have been funded, five of which are relevant to the fresh produce industry.
Sustainable food packaging company Coronex has received £50,000 to investigate incorporating seaweed into plastic blends for sustainable packaging. The grant will support the purchase of half a tonne of seaweed, allowing Coronex to work with industry experts to develop the material formulation and product design.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with major soft-fruit producer Chambers, as well as vertical farming startup Machere.
Meanwhile, PlantWorks has received £46,100 to explore how beneficial microbes can be used to improve soil health and reduce growers’ reliance on inorganic fertilisers, while remaining cost-effective.
A company called Fermenti is developing fermented snacks from rescued fruits and vegetables, in collaboration with Nim’s Fruit Crisps, thanks to funding of £24,800.
Inspro aims to use its £22,800 grant to transform food waste into natural fertiliser or sustainable animal feed using black soldier fly larvae.
And Rubisko is drawing on funding worth £12,500 to optimise water and fertiliser use in indoor farming through data management platforms.
Growing Kent & Medway said the grants, worth £10,000-£50,000 each, will allow the businesses to undertake “short-term, high-impact, and innovative projects in Kent”.
Director Dr Nikki Harrison added: “The projects we’ve funded strengthen our region’s position as the leading British innovation cluster for these sectors, whilst growing an inclusive culture of sustainable entrepreneurship and building resilience across the UK’s horticultural supply chains.”
This is the second round of projects supported by the Business Sustainability Challenge. Information on previous projects can be found here.
