Tech Tyfu originally began as a pilot project in Anglesey and Gwynedd, trialling small‑scale vertical farms with local growers. The early feedback was strong, prompting the expansion of the project into the Tech Tyfu Scale‑Up programme. This included establishing an Innovation Hub, originally funded by the EU and supporting 13 growers with bespoke, low‑cost vertical farming units costing around £1,200 each (compared to an £8,000 market alternative).
Initially, many growers focused on microgreens, which were in high demand within the hospitality sector during COVID‑19. However, a new opportunity emerged through the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy programme, exploring how these farms could supply fresh produce to Wales’s public sector, where only around 6% of fruit and vegetables consumed in Wales are grown domestically.
This created a compelling case for scaling local hydroponic and vertical farming solutions to build resilience, enhance sustainability, and strengthen local supply chains in Wales.
The Approach
The project’s approach centred on developing a network of growers, supporting them with equipment, and connecting them with relevant market pathways. Five farms were selected to participate in the network of growers across Wales:
- Micro Acres Wales (Llantrisant)
- Fungi Foods (Gwynedd)
- Fresh & Tasty Microgreens (Denbighshire)
- Valleys Veg (Aberdare)
- Green Up Farm (Carmarthenshire), in an advisory capacity.
These growers were provided with bespoke vertical farming equipment through Tech Tyfu’s equipment library. The project worked with external partners Business Wales, trialling innovative water‑salinity technology from AWS to improve yields.
Menter Môn then facilitated supply to public-sector wholesalers by meeting with each grower to assess support needs, introducing them to fruit and veg wholesalers across Wales and supporting price‑setting conversations to enable future supply into schools and other public‑sector settings.
Impact
This project aimed to strengthen local supply chains and reduce food miles by supporting sustainable farming methods. It increased access to vertical farming equipment, which is essential for small-scale growers, particularly in areas with limited space. The initiative also fostered innovation by exploring the potential for clean, renewable energy to power production.
Despite facing challenges, the project has made a significant impact in creating a sustainable and engaged network of growers. It maintained Wales’s only dedicated network for small-scale vertical farmers. Funding from the Welsh Government ensured the continuity of the network; without this support, the network and two key staff positions would likely have been lost.
Collaboration on project innovations led to the development of the AWS water salinity device, which demonstrated significant yield improvements. This shows how smart technologies can enhance controlled-environment farming in Wales.
In some instances, equipment was repurposed to fit each grower’s business model. One standout commercial success involved Fungi Foods, which used vertical farming infrastructure to expand mushroom production. This growth enabled them to secure supply agreements with Aldi, Wagamama, and Holland & Barrett and receive recognition through Channel 4’s “The Next Big Thing.” Although this wasn’t the public-sector supply initially intended, it highlights the commercial viability of vertical farming in Wales.
Challenges
Several significant obstacles impacted the project’s ability to achieve its original goals. Limitations in the ability to scale production for public sector use were challenging:
- The ever-rising Energy costs lead to growers withdrawing from discussions about supplying the public sector as production became unviable.
- Most growers would need much larger facilities to achieve the economies of scale.
- The price expectations of wholesalers were much lower than those of the restaurant market, which would be difficult for growers with the high energy costs.
- Some farms could only operate during the summer months due to the high costs of running operations in winter.
- Some farms faced changes in tenancy or disruptions to their facilities, which undermined production continuity.
Looking Ahead
Tech Tyfu is now at a reflective transition point. The next steps include reviewing and recalibrating the project. A structured review is essential to determine:
- Where growers stand now
- What support is needed to operate sustainably year‑round
- How best to align vertical farming with public-sector demand
Menter Môn will continue to support the network of growers to move towards scaling up, helping them move from small‑scale microgreen production toward commercial‑level, economically viable supply chains where possible. In potentially larger-scale pilots, a strategically located, renewable‑powered vertical farming facility could:
- Reduce running costs through renewable energy
- Provide a consistent year‑round supply of fruit and vegetables locally grown in Wales
- Demonstrate the feasibility of local supply public‑sector procurement
- Anchor wider industry growth across Wales for vertical horticulture
