Tech firm launches vertical farm for year-round salad and herb production

Tech firm Astwood Group has launched a vertical farm designed to produce home-grown year-round salads, herbs and greens.

Aimed at either large or small-scale food producers, ranging from supermarket chains to restaurants trying to source the finest, local ingredients, Vertivore is a climate-controlled chamber with a stream of LED lights to grow “beyond organic” and nutritional produce.

Michael Capwell, CEO of Redditch-based Astwood Group and founder of Vertivore, said: “Advances in technology have made foods available that were previously seasonal or regional, but with a devastating impact on the planet. In developing and launching Vertivore, we have successfully established an environmentally friendly way of growing home-grown produce, without the use of damaging pesticides.

“What’s more, the vertical farm, by its very nature, conserves natural resources and not only does it use at least 70% less water than soil-based farming, but does so with fewer miles to travel from pallet to plate, which could be vital as and when we feel the impact of Brexit.”

With its pilot vertical farm up and running, Astwood Group boasts ambitious plans for the Vertivore brand, with an aim to scale through the launch of new sites in strategic locations across the UK.

With produce grown and harvested 365 days a year, without the requirement for good weather, herbicides or pesticides, Vertivore has already received interest from a number of industry stakeholders.

Capewell added: “Astwood Group has ambitious plans for the growth of the Vertivore brand. With twice the growth rate of conventional methods, not only can we fulfil orders in half the time, but we can also ensure members of the public are able to benefit from environmentally friendly and quality produce, which is completely homegrown.”