"This farm represents a coming-of-age for agricultural technology in the UK; we have now cracked the code for accessible, sustainable, premium food being grown all year round at a super-competitive price. Commercial success in this sector has always been the challenge, but this farm smashes it," says James Lloyd-Jones, Founder and CEO of Jones Food Company.
Jones Food Company (JFC), a vertical farming business in the UK, has opened its second vertical farm, JFC2, near Lydney in Gloucestershire. Using '100% renewably sourced energy' to grow crops vertically, including basil, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, dill, green lettuce, red lettuce, Baby Leaf Pak Choi, Bulls Blood, Mizuna, Komatsuna, and Baby Leaf Cress. According to James, there is a place for small urban vertical farms, but size, scale, and affordability are how the vertical farm revolution delivers. Technology and sustainability, when married at this kind of scale, change food production, combat climate change, ensure food security, address labor issues, and maximize efficiency. He sees it as a win-win-win-win.
Head of Growing, Jones Food Company, Glyn Stephens, says, "A lot of vertical farmers have focused on lights, but temperature and humidity control are where the real energy guzzle has traditionally been, this is why it's been a core focus for us opening this new site. It's small changes and learnings from JFC1 that mean this system now accounts for a much smaller proportion of our energy usage. Irrigation is another innovation in this farm, and the system in JFC2 is utterly unique and another key brick in how we deliver a premium product, at a great price, at scale."
"At Ocado Group, we are passionate about the long-term potential of vertical farming for both the food industry and for the environment. JFC's second vertical farm, JFC2, is an important strategic investment for Ocado and represents a significant step forward in this exciting and transformational space. We are confident in JFC's leadership and their ability to execute on their vision - we look forward to supporting them on the way ahead," says Stephen Daintith, CFO at Ocado Group.
JFC2's output now includes supplying own-label herbs as well as the company's own Homegrown range of mixed salad bags and Lēaf, its range of sauces and salad bags. The company opened its first farm, called JFC1, in Lincolnshire in 2018 and a dedicated vertical farming innovation Centre in Bristol in 2022.
For more information:
Jones Food Company
jonesfoodcompany@sunnysideupcomms.co.uk
www.jonesfoodcompany.co.uk