Stockbridge Technology Centre opened the doors of its new LED high wire facility in a ceremony attended by over 50 key industry stakeholders.
The Rt Hon Michael Jack CBE unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Selby-based research centre, where LED trials are already underway on midi-tomato cultivar Sunstream, of which the first crops were available before Christmas.
'The LED high wire facility is a research glasshouse that is testing the potential of energy efficient LED lights to allow crops to be UK-grown for superior freshness and taste,” said Graham Ward, chief executive of the Stockbridge Technology Centre.
The new facility was supported by Norfolk grower Cornerways Nursery, British Tomato Growers Association (TGA), Philips Lighting and Cambridge HOK.
During the day, visitors also heard talks from the centre’s director of science, Dr Martin McPherson and chair of the Tomato Growers' Association, Nigel Bartle. There was also a tour of the glasshouse and tastings of the tomatoes.
Jack said: 'Today has opened our imaginations to all sorts of possibilities. I'm impressed by the team's enthusiasm and vision and by the fact that they have taken a high tech idea and created a commercial outcome.'
Stockbridge Technology Centre's Yorkshire tomatoes are being distributed to the catering trade by Delifresh, and are available from retailer members of the East Yorkshire Local Food Network.
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