Due to launch at the Royal Show on July 3, VertiCrop is a new rotating high-density vertical growing system developed by US company Valcent Products Inc. Its cutting-edge design has created the potential for increasing crop yields twenty-fold, while reducing the potential impact of food miles and carbon footprints.
The machine provides an opportunity to generate early returns on investment for commercial growers. The custom-built unit is built on site to accommodate the specifications of each client in terms of size and crop usage.
Chris Bradford, managing director of the Cornwall-based subsidiary Valcent Products, explained: “We are tremendously excited by the possibilities of VertiCrop and I believe that growers will be, too. In terms of increasing productivity year-round, VertiCrop is a winning solution. Yet it is VertiCrop’s commercially viable method of limiting the need for water, pesticides and wholesale importation of out-of-season crops that is most exciting of all.
“It is an attractive product from the point of view of the grower wishing to maximize existing turnover, and also for the increasing number of consumers who aim to reduce their food mile consumption by buying locally, but are currently restricted by limited supply and retail cost.”
“Achieving high crop yield and reducing environmental impact are no longer mutually exclusive goals. VertiCrop provides an uncompromising solution for raising profit margins, while decreasing water and energy consumption.”
VertiCrop’s sophisticated hydroponics system is capable of achieving astonishing yields, using up to 95 per cent less water than in conventionally irrigated poly-systems. Crops are continuously rotated within the VertiCrop, ensuring an even exposure to light, nutrients and creating a constant airflow.
VertiCrop will be launched on stand FRB 40-G-4 within block 40 at the Royal Show, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, which will run from July 3-6.
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