The one-time regional powerhouse of the glasshouse-growing world is celebrating after unveiling the first phase of its 24-acre expansion scheme.
NFU president Meurig Raymond was among those at the opening ceremony at Valley Grown Nurseries (VGN) in Nazeing, Essex, today (20 May).
The development represents the largest addition of glasshouses to the Lea Valley since the 1950s, with the new glass set to be used for growing salad crops.
Lee Stiles, NFU secretary of the Lea Valley Growers Association, said: 'The Lea Valley had the highest concentration of glasshouses in the world in the 1950s, but the growing area has since declined by 80 per cent.
'We have a great opportunity to grow more local food, cut food imports and create local jobs through glasshouse expansion in the Lea Valley. Developments like this will help ensure the area has a viable future.'
Raymond said: “We import four out of every five tomatoes eaten in this country, at a time when the public is actively seeking to buy quality UK produce. There is tremendous scope to grow more salad crops to meet public demand, but modern agriculture and horticulture require investment in modern buildings and modern facilities. That’s why this development is so welcome. I hope we will see more schemes like this in the future.”
VGN obtained planning permission for the glasshouse construction in 2014, but the decision was challenged by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which took its case to the High Court, and the Court of Appeal, losing both.
VGN's Jimmy Russo said: 'After years of uncertainty, and huge financial costs, we are delighted that Epping Forest District Council has been fully justified in granting permission for this.'
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