The UK is set for a 10 per cent increase in cucumber production, according to Thanet Earth, thanks to the opening of the joint venture's sixth greenhouse in Kent.
Construction of the new glasshouse was completed in October 2017 and the 6.1-hectare facility is expected to begin its 2018 cucumber harvest in the first week of February.
In a UK first, the greenhouse is equipped with sodium lights to provide extra light and warmth through the winter months and with diffuse glass for better distribution of light.
There are now two cucumber-growing greenhouses at Thanet Earth, with over 12ha growing area in total.
Squeezed margins have forced cucumber growers out of business in recent years, limiting domestic production and necessitating a rise in imports.
Defra and the Cucumber Growers Association estimate that there are now just over 100ha of cucumber greenhouses in commercial production, but Thanet Earth said its additional capacity would provide a welcome boost to volumes.
Thanet Earth’s high wire growing system for cucumbers will also help to increase yields.
Speaking ahead of the first harvest, grower Arjan de Gier said: “Since we began planning our business here in Thanet almost ten years ago, we’ve aspired to have two greenhouses in production for cucumbers. I’m pleased we’ve achieved this goal, developing our reputation for innovation and investment in technology too.”
Thanet Earth currently houses six greenhouses, growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. A seventh greenhouse will be added in future, the joint venture has announced.
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