Key Takeaways
- The EMQ+ consortium, a DEFRA-funded research project delivered through Innovate UK, has added InnoPhyte Consulting and Flex Farming to expand its capabilities in strawberry propagation within Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA).
- Now in its final year of a three-year program, EMQ+ is evaluating TCEA-grown strawberry propagules for deployment in glasshouses, polytunnels, and vertical farming facilities, targeting higher yields and lower pest and disease burdens.
- 85% of UK-produced strawberries are grown from imported starter plants; TCEA propagation could displace these imports with year-round, disease-free, domestically grown propagules.
- In 2024, the UK imported approximately GBP 293 million worth of strawberries, representing 43.5% of the domestic market.
- InnoPhyte Consulting will lead knowledge exchange, dissemination, and project management, while Flex Farming contributes commercial TCEA strawberry growing expertise to accelerate commercialization.
EMQ+ Consortium Adds InnoPhyte Consulting and Flex Farming to UK Strawberry Vertical Farming Project
The EMQ+ project, a DEFRA-funded research initiative delivered through Innovate UK, has expanded its consortium with the addition of InnoPhyte Consulting and Flex Farming. Now in its third and final year, the project is focused on evaluating and comparing the production of strawberry propagules in Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) systems, assessing their performance for subsequent cultivation in glasshouses, polytunnels, and vertical farming facilities.
TCEA-produced propagules offer two key advantages over conventionally sourced starter plants: higher yield potential through optimized environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light, and significantly lower levels of pests and diseases, including pathogens such as powdery mildew. Currently, 85% of UK-produced strawberries are grown from imported starter plants. In 2024, the UK imported approximately GBP 293 million worth of strawberries, accounting for 43.5% of the domestic market — a gap that domestically produced TCEA propagules could help close.
“We're delighted to join the EMQ+ project,” said Katia Zacharaki, CEO of InnoPhyte Consulting. “Our expertise spans TCEA across a range of crops, as well as the management of innovative, science-led projects. Together, we will support the existing partners and help ensure that EMQ+ delivers meaningful outcomes within the soft fruit sector while providing strong value from the substantial public investment made in this project.”
New Partners Bring Commercial TCEA Experience and Project Management Depth
InnoPhyte Consulting will contribute to project exploitation activities, knowledge exchange, dissemination, and national and international networking, alongside providing project management support. Flex Farming adds commercial TCEA strawberry growing capability, helping accelerate the project's path toward commercializing high-health propagation for the UK protected strawberry crop.
“We have been concerned with the disease burden encountered in commercially propagated strawberry plants, which adversely affect yield, quality and ultimately, profits,” said Ahmad Mohseni, CEO of Flex Farming. “This project represents an important opportunity to collaborate with leading organisations and help create lasting value both for ourselves and the rest of the sector.”
Project Background and Remaining Objectives
Launched in 2023, EMQ+ has assembled a diverse consortium targeting improvements in yield potential from propagated strawberries. The expanded partnership is expected to strengthen the project's outputs and improve the prospects for long-term commercial, societal, and economic impact from the public investment.
