Horticulture Wales is thrilled to announce the expansion of their facilities thanks to a strategic partnership between Wrexham University, Flintshire, and Denbighshire Councils, backed by SPF funding, which has secured the project’s future until December 2024.
While currently funded until December 2024, the project remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, innovation, and education. Integration of new hydroponic technologies such as automated grow racks and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems reflects their forward-thinking approach to stay at the industry’s forefront.
Horticulture Wales distinguishes itself through local collaboration, community engagement, and a transparent operational model. As a not-for-profit initiative, they openly share information, positioning themselves as a collaborative partner in promoting sustainable horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Looking ahead, they will continue to expand their physical infrastructure and educational initiatives. With ongoing installations of new hydroponic systems and collaboration with university departments, the project aspires to create a comprehensive knowledge hub for hydroponics, offering diverse training opportunities and fostering interdisciplinary research. Additionally, they are looking to develop educational hydroponic systems, tailored for school pupils that aim to instil a passion for sustainable agriculture from an early age.
Operating two CEA grow rooms and an educational workshop space, Horticulture Wales’s automated infrastructure can accommodate up to 1500 plants concurrently. Dedicated sections for microgreens, lettuces, and an innovative edible wall system highlight the project’s commitment to innovation. Community engagement remains a cornerstone, with over a thousand plants distributed to schools and events, showcasing the potential of horticulture and vertical farming.
Horticulture Wales is committed to fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and community engagement in horticulture, laying the groundwork for a greener, more resilient future and welcomes anyone wishing to get involved to get in touch at Horticulturecluster@wrexham.ac.uk.
