Horticulture Wales

This interview details Horticulture Wales, a company based in the UK. The interview is with Mark Roberts, Niche Crops Officer at Horticulture Wales.

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What is the origin of Horticulture Wales?

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Horticulture Wales has its roots in a collaborative effort aimed at fostering sustainable horticulture practices within the region. The project was reinitiated in 2022 with a new team after a period of absence due to the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

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Initially funded by the European Union and Welsh Government until June 2023, after which a strategic partnership between Wrexham University and the counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire with the invaluable support of SPF funding, have secured the project's future until December 2024. Our vision for the project is to create a platform that not only promotes the growth of the horticulture sector but also sought to establish a centre for sustainable horticulture practices. The inception of our Hydroponic Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Northop marked a significant milestone, and will provide a platform for innovative research, education, and community engagement. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Horticulture Wales in the future?

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Currently funded until December 2024, we acknowledge the pressing need to secure additional funding to sustain and expand our impactful initiatives. The landscape of funding opportunities is becoming increasingly challenging, adding a layer of complexity to our efforts. This funding uncertainty has regrettably led to the loss of valuable members within our team, underlining the critical importance of securing sustainable financial support to retain such valuable talents.

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Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transparent operations, innovation, and education, actively seeking partnerships and avenues to ensure the continued success of Horticulture Wales beyond our current funding period. As we look to the future, Horticulture Wales is navigating challenges with a forward-thinking approach. The integration of new technologies, such as automated grow racks and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems, into our hydroponic grow rooms at Northop reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.

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Additionally, fostering collaboration with other departments within the university is a priority. By leveraging the expertise across various disciplines, we aim to enhance knowledge and training opportunities in the dynamic field of hydroponics.

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What is unique about Horticulture Wales compared to competitors?

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Horticulture Wales stands out due to its emphasis on local collaboration and community engagement and the transparency of our project sets us apart in a competitive landscape. As a not-for-profit initiative, we are more than happy to share information about our practices, allowing us to be an open resource for those interested in sustainable horticulture as well as CEA. This commitment to transparency, combined with our focus on innovation and education, positions us as a collaborative partner rather than a competitor. Our goal is to share insights, contribute to the industry's growth, and foster a community-driven approach to horticulture.

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What are some goals in 2024 and beyond for Horticulture Wales?

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In 2024 and beyond, Horticulture Wales is not only focused on expanding our physical infrastructure but also on nurturing educational initiatives. The ongoing installation of automated grow racks, NFT systems, and edible wall systems at Northop exemplifies our dedication to staying ahead in hydroponic technology. Collaborating with university departments, we aspire to create a comprehensive knowledge hub for hydroponics, offering diverse training opportunities and promoting interdisciplinary research. Furthermore, our commitment to education extends to the design of engaging and educational hydroponic systems tailored for school pupils, fostering a passion for sustainable agriculture from an early age.

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We operate two CEA grow rooms measuring 24 square meters each, supplemented by a third room of equivalent dimensions designed for educational purposes, specifically hosting workshops. Our automated racking infrastructure boasts the capacity to accommodate up to 1500 plants concurrently. Notably, two dedicated automated racks are allocated for the cultivation of microgreens, while an additional Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system facilitates the growth of 208 lettuces at once. Furthermore, our facility incorporates an innovative edible wall system tailored for cultivating edible flowers.

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To underscore our commitment to community engagement and the promotion of horticultural awareness, I have successfully cultivated over a thousand plants. These have been generously distributed to schools and at various events organized to elevate the profile of horticulture and emphasize the potential of vertical farming.

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The Horticulture Wales team comprises three dedicated members. The Project Development Officer, responsible for community outreach and engagement efforts. Meanwhile, the dual responsibilities of project development and administrative and financial oversight are handled by the Project Development Officer/Administrator. As the Niche Crops Officer, my role focuses on the hydroponic aspects and overall cultivation management of the project.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Horticulture Wales?

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For individuals seeking information or advice, we encourage open communication and transparency. To stay informed about our hydroponic projects, educational programs, and collaborative opportunities, visit our official website horticulturewales.co.uk. Engage with us on social media platforms, including Instagram · Youtube · Facebook · X (Twitter), where we actively share updates and insights. You can also follow my journey in CEA at “workingwithhydroponics” on Instagram.

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