Harnessing Renewable Energy Finance to Cultivate Innovation in Soft Fruit Farming
The drive for sustainability is reshaping the agricultural landscape, with innovative farmers at the forefront of this transformation. Near the Welsh border, a visionary couple has embarked on a ground breaking journey, leveraging renewable energy finance to revolutionise soft fruit farming and establish a beacon of agricultural sustainability.
The Pioneering Duo
Armed with Agri-food & Marketing degrees and two decades of industry experience, the borrowers have a commercial outlook that embraces innovation. Their vast network, built over years in the sector, proved invaluable as they transitioned from pig and crop farming to a more diversified model focused on fruit production.
One partner’s expertise in business development within the construction sector introduced efficiency and innovation to the farm. The other’s international experience in the fresh produce industry brought commercial prowess and connections to the UK’s leading retailers. Together, they’ve harnessed these skills to propel their farm business forward.
A Flourishing Farm Enterprise
The transformation witnessed on this farm over the past 12 years is nothing short of remarkable. Beginning with a modest 60 acres of grassland and a single building, the borrowers have meticulously grown their enterprise into a robust agricultural holding. Today, the farm boasts over 20,000 square feet of warehousing and cold storage facilities, vital for preserving the quality of their produce.
Their commitment to innovation is evident in the two hectares of fruit production housed in state-of-the-art polytunnels and an additional five hectares dedicated to the cultivation of outdoor blueberries.
Their strides in agriculture extend to the energy sector, where they have adeptly leveraged the benefits of renewable energy. By harnessing the by-product of chilled water from their ground source heat pump (GSHP), they have realised a dramatic energy saving of 90% for their cold storage units – a testament to their forward-thinking strategies. This commitment to sustainability and efficiency reflects not only their respect for the environment, but also their acumen in reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.
Their journey from a simple grassland to a multifaceted farming and renewable energy venture exemplifies the transformative power of vision, expertise and dedication in the agricultural sector.
A Mixed Holding with a Vision
The farm is a tapestry of innovation and tradition, with a large modern farmhouse, purpose-built and repurposed agricultural buildings, and an equestrian business that’s as meticulous as it is successful. With around 100 acres of arable land planted for maize, the couple has also nurtured a burgeoning fruit business that supplies major retailers, positioning them at the centre of the soft fruit industry.
Blueberries and Heat Pumps: Renewal Energy for Growth
The borrowers have orchestrated a horticultural breakthrough, turning their soft fruit farm into a model of innovation and sustainability. Their implementation of a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system combined with their blueberry knowledge has allowed them to capitalise on an extended blueberry season. Blueberries are traditionally bound by a brief seasonal window. But by harnessing the heat from their own renewable sources, they’ve managed to extend the blueberry growing season by an additional eight weeks; a significant extension to the standard 16-week timeframe.
This pioneering use of renewable energy allows them to produce a substantially larger crop yield, positioning their farm as a leader in the UK’s fruit production. Moreover, their sustainable practices signal a shift towards greener agricultural practices, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive imports and bolstering local production. The deployment of a second, more powerful GSHP will enable them to heat more polytunnels, thereby scaling up their production capabilities.
The farm’s innovative use of thermal storage to capitalise on off-peak electricity rates further underscores its commitment to eco-friendly practices. It’s a strategic move that aims to cement its status as the first carbon-neutral off-season fruit producer in the UK, setting a precedent for how renewable energy can invigorate traditional agriculture and amplify its economic potential.
Renewable Energy Finance for Innovation
The funds from our renewable energy finance loan of just over £1 million will repay existing debts and finance the installation of a new GSHP. This investment, complemented by a government grant, will catalyse the expansion of their polytunnel fruit production, setting the stage for the farm to become a leader in UK berry production.
Diversification Beyond Berries
The heat generated by the GSHP system has also spawned high-quality equine feed production, tapping into a market that values premium feed. This diversification benefits from synergy with their other income streams, including the livery yard and riding lessons. The farm’s cold storage facilities benefit from the same system, showcasing the versatility of renewable energy in agriculture.
Nurturing Talent and Technology
The borrowers maintain strong university ties, resulting in the creation of a machine that aids outdoor fruit picking. They’re also collaborating on studies to develop indoor picking and packing machinery, ensuring their operations remain at the industry’s cutting edge.
Addressing Labour Challenges
Brexit has reshaped the agricultural labour landscape in the UK, introducing hurdles in sourcing foreign seasonal labour, which is an issue particularly acute for soft fruit farms that depend heavily on skilled pickers. The borrowers on this farm have faced this challenge head-on. Last season’s attempt to employ UK workers highlighted a preference for shorter working weeks, which didn’t align with the farm’s operational needs, especially during peak harvest times. This led to the couple and their family personally stepping in to ensure no order was left unfulfilled.
However, the innovative spirit of the borrowers led to a proactive solution. One of the couple now works part time with an organisation dedicated to connecting pickers with farmers globally. This role not only facilitates the logistical challenge of ensuring that pickers are available when and where they’re needed, but also ensures that these essential workers are well cared for and compensated fairly for their labour.
The investment in high quality picker accommodations on the farm exemplifies their commitment to providing excellent living conditions, resulting in a consistent and reliable workforce. By paying competitive wages and offering superior accommodation, the borrowers have been able to attract and retain the skilled workers necessary to maintain their high standards of productivity and product quality, setting a precedent for labour relations in the post-Brexit era of UK agriculture.
A Blueprint for the Future
With a clear strategy to refinance to a high street lender at a later date, the couple’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and renewable energy finance is a testament to their foresight and entrepreneurial spirit.
This case study exemplifies how renewable energy finance from UK Agricultural Finance can be a transformative force, enabling farmers to innovate, diversify and thrive in a competitive market. Through renewable energy finance, the couple’s soft fruit farm is not just growing produce but cultivating a sustainable future for agriculture in the UK.