The Greenhouse Innovation Consortium (GIC) – a pioneering group of food growers, glass manufacturers and researchers which aim to improve food production in the UK by unlocking the potential of greenhouses – has been launched.
Founded and chaired by Edge Hill University’s Dr Sven Batke, GIC members include leading industry names such as Pilkington UK, Philips Lighting, Flavourfresh Salads, CambridgeHOK and Glass Futures.
The GIC will focus on tackling a wide range of climatic and horticultural challenges, including enhancing crop quality, improving yields, and boosting plant resilience, through increased greenhouse technological innovation.
In addition, the GIC will help growers develop more sustainable practices, gather scientific evidence on new materials and practices, and provide new training and knowledge transfer opportunities.
Dr Batke, who is Reader in Plant Science at Edge Hill University, said: “The GIC brings together the collective expertise and resources of leading players across the industry to create a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation and drives positive change.
“In the UK, we are still heavily reliant on food imports from abroad. For example, 80% of fruit and over half of vegetables are being imported. This reliance has made the UK very vulnerable.”
Edge Hill University is already working with the GIC and has recently been testing new glass coating technologies designed at its Ormskirk campus.
Commenting on the university’s role in the GIC initiative, Dr Batke added: “It’s an exciting and important time for the UK greenhouse industry, and we are excited to support local businesses and train the next generation of plant scientists that can positively affect the industry.”
Compared to outside growing, greenhouses can help provide home-grown food all year round. However, in the UK the sector has had relatively low levels of investment into technical advances, especially when compared to countries like the Netherlands.
Estimates from the GIC further suggest that 70% of greenhouses in the UK are now over 40 years old.
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