Jones Food Company (JFC), the world’s most advanced vertical farm, has opened its second facility JFC2 in Gloucestershire to boost British food production.
The innovative JFC facility, where salad is grown three times as fast as traditional outdoor agriculture, started in 2018 in Lincolnshire.
“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”, said CEO and founder of Jones Food Company, James Lloyd-Jones.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of scale and affordability in driving the vertical farming revolution. By leveraging technology and sustainability on a large scale, JFC aims to revolutionize food production, combat climate change, ensure food security, address labor issues, and maximize efficiency.
What is Vertical Farming?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines vertical farming as “The activity of growing crops in many layers, one above the other, inside a building or under the ground, often in a specially controlled environment.”
Sustainable farming
JFC2 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and technological innovation.
Powered entirely by renewable energy sources, the farm harnesses cutting-edge technology and bespoke designs to optimize water usage, irrigation, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and automation processes.
These advancements not only bolster profitability but also underscore JFC’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
“A lot of vertical farmers have focused on lights, but temperature and humidity control are where the real energy guzzle has traditionally been,” stated Glyn Stephens, Head of Growing at Jones Food Company.
“Irrigation is another massive innovation in this farm and the system in JFC2 is boundary-pushing, ground-breaking, utterly unique and another key brick in how we deliver premium product, at a great price, at scale”, he added.
Jones Food Company’s track record of success, coupled with its strategic partnership with The Ocado Group, positions it as a leader in the vertical farming sector. With the official opening of JFC2, the company continues to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation, demonstrating the potential of vertical farming to meet the growing demand for high-quality, locally sourced produce.
Variety and distribution channels
The farm cultivates a diverse selection of 12 herbs and salad greens, comprising basil, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, dill, lettuce, pak choi, and baby leaf cress.
These fresh produce offerings are distributed through various channels, including the Homegrown line of salad bags, the Lēaf assortment of sauces and salad bags, and under the farm’s own-label herb collection.
As JFC2 prepares to welcome visitors and stakeholders, anticipation mounts for the transformative impact it will have on the future of food production in the UK and beyond. With its commitment to technological excellence, sustainability, and affordability, Jones Food Company reaffirms its position as a pioneer in the field of vertical farming.
