On Tuesday, Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, opened the Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub at M-SParc on Anglesey as reported by Wales 24/7. Supported by the local government, the program aims at developing and supplying fresh microgreens to local restaurants, hotels, and consumers using a hydroponic process.
After successfully rolling out the first phase of its project, the second phase will see 13 additional growing sites implemented throughout Wales thanks to the processes developed in this Hub.
Project Manager Luke Tyler thanked the Minister for attending and believes Tech Tyfu will play a major role in shaping the agri-technology economy nationwide, promoting food tourism, and strengthening supply chains.
“We are excited to open the new Innovation Hub, it will be pivotal in supporting the growers through research and development and horticulture training,” mentions Project Manager Luke Tyler to Wales 24/7 “From this cutting-edge facility, we will trial new crops, growing methods, and equipment, working with academic and business partners to explore opportunities for crops and technology.”
“The new Innovation Hub will ensure Wales will be at the cutting-edge of agri-technology and horticultural research, and I’m pleased to officially launch it.” adds Welsh minister
The Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub is the first major step to embedding vertical farming into the Welsh economy, the company mentions on its website, taking the form of new research, development, and education facility at Menai Science Parc dedicated to developing and showcasing innovation in vertical farming.
The Innovation Hub’s technology is driven by Tech Tyfu projects partners, V-Farm. The Hub will facilitate precision growing for a variety of crops, featuring dimmable lights for custom growth cycles, and an auto-dosing system for automatic, custom nutrient delivery.
The Innovation Hub seeks to create ways to overcome real and perceived barriers to growing fresh produce in North Wales. The Hub will showcase vertical farming technology at a commercial scale and offer space, resources and education for new and existing growers to pilot growing methods, trial new technology, and test new crops. Tech Tyfu aim to partner with a variety of industry and academic partners to utilise this innovative space to its full potential.
The Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub received funding from the Business Innovation and Tourism Escalator Scheme (BITES)
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