West Sussex strawberry grower David Moore has been named a regional winner of this year’s ‘Innovation Award’ in the annual M&S Select Farm Awards.
David was invited to receive his award during the M&S Select Farm Awards ceremony on the retailer’s stand at this year’s Royal Welsh Show (22 – 25 July). The judges commended David for his vision and development of a new strawberry-growing concept at Wicks Farm.
The idea for the business was to move the dial on sustainability in strawberry production and take the opportunity to address supply gaps for consumers in spring, autumn and periods of the summer. But David has exceeded his goal, recently becoming the first UK strawberry grower to supply British strawberries all year round.
David’s business partner Paul Beynon said: “Initially, we worked collaboratively with a number of universities, assessing a range of existing technologies, but concluded they were unworkable.
“So, David and the team designed a complete glasshouse-based conceptual system. We learnt from some early failings but the resulting successful system uses a novel combination of vertical A-frames and a lightweight expanded aggregate substrate.”
The use of a lightweight expanded aggregate, also known as clay balls, as a substrate for growing strawberries has given Wicks Farm a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional systems using coir. Made from coconut husks, coir must be shipped in from abroad and only lasts one year, significantly less than the six to seven years’ longevity of the aggregate.
Paul continued: “We also use a hydroponic system, which reduces fertiliser use by 25%, and by optimising the system further, pesticide applications are 30% lower than standard cropping.
“We use LED grow lights with heat, light and CO2 provided by an onsite combined heat and power (CHP) unit. In addition to this, the use of dimmable and frequency switchable technology with the LED grow lights reduces energy use per square metre of glasshouse.”
Steve McLean, head of agriculture and disheries at M&S, said: “Every day, our Select Farmers go to extraordinary lengths to deliver great quality M&S food to our customers, producing lower carbon, responsible food, while protecting natural resources and driving innovation.
“David has demonstrated exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills. Becoming the first UK strawberry grower to supply strawberries all year round is a phenomenal achievement. He should be very proud of what he has achieved.”
