Greengro is designed to appeal to farmers who want to switch out of arable crops into horticulture, and has already been visited by NFU president Ben Gill and won praise from eco-supporter and botanist David Bellamy. The latter called it 'the third agricultural revolution' after seeing the twin-walled tunnels, which contain a computer controlled environment.

Crops are grown on coir filled grow bags that can be recycled, with the initial target being a range of exotics rather than salads or soft fruit. Already under production is pak choi.

Producers who agree to a partnership deal will provide land and labour, while Unigro will be responsible for planning, training, finance and marketing.

The chairman is Alan Wheatley, who has been a senior partner in Price Waterhouse. The Greengro system was developed by Mike Dufton, previously a mushroom grower. And Rodanto, better known as importers, will be responsible for the first marketing phase.