A ground breaking approach to farming takes a significant leap forward in Gloucestershire as the Jones Food Company unveils its second vertical farm, JFC2, situated in Lydney within the idyllic Forest of Dean. This milestone signifies a notable expansion for the company, which pioneered the concept of vertical farming in the UK six years ago with its initial farm in Lincolnshire.
Operating entirely on renewably-sourced energy, JFC2 is poised to cultivate an array of crops including basil, coriander, parsley, dill, lettuces, and various leafy greens. This venture underscores the Jones Food Company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, a mission that has garnered recognition and praise within the industry.
In 2022, the company further cemented its dedication to innovation by establishing a research centre in Bristol aimed at exploring novel avenues for vertical farming. This pioneering method involves cultivating crops in expansive warehouses beneath the glow of LED lights, all powered by renewable energy sources.
The founder and chief executive officer of Jones Food Company expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “This farm represents a milestone for agricultural technology in the UK.” He highlighted the farm’s capacity to produce premium crops year-round at a competitive price point, addressing pressing concerns such as food shortages exacerbated by global challenges like conflict, climate change, and energy crises.
The founder underscored the pivotal role of technology and sustainability in revolutionizing food production, combating climate change, ensuring food security, addressing labour issues, and maximizing efficiency. He stressed the importance of scale and affordability in driving the vertical farming revolution, asserting that JFC2 leverages the UK’s technological expertise and commitment to reducing import dependence.
The head of growing at Jones Food Company shed light on the farm’s innovative features, particularly its focus on energy-efficient temperature and humidity control. He highlighted the strides made in reducing energy consumption compared to traditional farming methods, citing irrigation as another area of significant innovation.
These advancements, according to the head of growing, represent not just incremental progress, but monumental strides towards making vertical farming economically viable. The integration of automation and strategic investments positions JFC2 to cater to the demands of large retailers, ensuring widespread accessibility to premium-quality produce.
The backing of industry giant Ocado Group further underscores the significance of JFC2’s emergence. Ocado Group’s chief financial officer expressed confidence in the transformative potential of vertical farming, both for the food industry and the environment. He hailed JFC2 as a strategic investment, reaffirming Ocado Group’s commitment to supporting innovation in sustainable agriculture.
As JFC2 embarks on its journey to redefine agriculture in Gloucestershire and beyond, it signifies a paradigm shift towards more efficient, sustainable, and resilient food production systems. With its pioneering spirit and commitment to technological advancement, the Jones Food Company is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of farming.
In conclusion, the inauguration of JFC2 heralds a new era of agricultural innovation, offering a glimpse into a future where vertical farming plays a central role in ensuring food security and sustainability. As the global community grapples with the challenges of a changing climate and growing population, initiatives like JFC2 serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating the potential of human ingenuity to overcome adversity and forge a path towards a more prosperous and resilient future.
