The climate in the UK is not ideal for growing leafy vegetables and fruits, and the amount of arable land has been decreasing over the years. As a result, the country has long depended on imports from EU nations. However, with the rise in tariffs following Brexit, the cost of fresh produce may increase significantly, which could have a major impact on consumers. One potential solution to this issue comes from an innovative plant factory based in Taiwan.
Visiting the Source Fresh Wisdom Farm in Taoyuan, Taiwan, you’re immediately struck by the towering 14-floor vertical farming system. The space is filled with bright green vegetables illuminated by dazzling LED lights, creating an almost sci-fi atmosphere. This advanced setup showcases how technology can revolutionize agriculture.
Cai Wenqing, chairman of Yuanxian Group, explained that the smart farm spans about 800 square meters, with a production capacity 100 times greater than traditional farming methods. It produces 1.6 tons of vegetables daily—among the best in the world. Currently, more than 30 types of vegetables are cultivated here.
The concept behind Yuanxian Farm aligns with the global trend of "plant factories," which use highly controlled environments to grow crops year-round. By precisely managing light, temperature, and nutrients, these systems can produce large quantities of high-quality vegetables regardless of external weather conditions.
Yuanxian is the first Taiwanese plant factory to invest in the UK. Cai Wenqing noted that post-Brexit import price hikes could lead to shortages of fresh produce. Introducing plant factory technology would allow for locally grown, customized vegetables to fill this gap.
A pilot plant is expected to be established at the National Agri-Food Innovation Campus in York, England, in April. The UK offers various investment incentives, and the team includes experts from the UK, France, and Denmark, with a daily production target of 50 kilograms. Their initial focus will be on marketing and promotion.
Catherine Nettleton, a representative of the British office in Taiwan, expressed enthusiasm about the project, calling it a great example of UK-Taiwan cooperation in advanced technology. She believes it will bring high-quality food to consumers in the future.
Cai Wenqing added that the full-scale production facility is set to be completed by the end of the year, with a daily output of 10 tons. Multi-product lettuce will be the main product, aiming to enrich the British salad market.
According to a report from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the country imported around 6,500 tons of vegetables daily in 2016, primarily from Spain and the Netherlands. Key crops included tomatoes, lettuce, and cauliflower.
In recent years, Yuanxian Agriculture has partnered with Professor Cai Dongyu, known as the “plant god doctor,†to develop big data on crop growth using biotechnology and statistical analysis. This has enabled the company to move its smart farm into mass production, even offering custom-made vegetables based on specific parameters.
Cai Ruicheng, a brand marketing expert, explained that technology-driven agriculture not only reduces labor costs but also predicts market demand and plans for the next two months. For instance, customers can receive precise instructions like, “We will collect a total of 3 kilograms of ice every Monday and Wednesday.†These detailed calculations help consumers know when to buy premium vegetables.
One such high-end vegetable is the “ice flower,†also known as the “diamond flower,†native to South Africa. It’s extremely expensive due to its popularity among celebrities, selling for over 10,000 yuan per kilogram in Taiwan.
Additionally, the microbial fermentation liquid fertilizer developed by Cai Dongyu enhances plants' resistance to disease while reducing the need for excessive chemical fertilizers. This helps eliminate concerns about nitrate residue, making hydroponic vegetables more appealing to health-conscious consumers.
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