EvenGrow (Maximising Every Photon for Every Leaf)

Intro

The adoption of indoor farming using total controlled environment agriculture (TCEA) systems can potentially eliminate the use of agrochemicals, provide local, year-round production of nutrient-dense crops and achieve net-zero carbon. The main challenge for the mass adoption of TCEA for medium-value crops such as strawberries is financial viability. 

Lead Farmer: Ahmad Mohseni

 

 

The Challenge

The Challenge

Carbon intensive energy (particularly electricity) - contributes 50% to 70% of the cost of goods sold (COGS)

Labour -- contributes 20% to 30% of COGS

Capital infrastructure costs

(Barclays Research, 2020)

The Solution

The Solution

Project EvenGrow aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of growing strawberries in controlled indoor environments. The project focuses on developing a low-cost approach to deliver light more effectively to the plants, helping them grow more evenly and use energy more efficiently.

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Strawberries

The Trial

The Trial

By exploring new ways to manage lighting and monitor plant growth, EvenGrow will support the development of more productive and environmentally friendly methods of farming strawberries year-round in the UK. This could help reduce reliance on imports and strengthen local food supply chains.