GrowSave , a collaboration between AHDB and NFU Energy , has been around for thirteen geezerhood . We look back at the impact we ’ve had on the horticulture industry over the last five .
by Jon Swain
Born originally out of a desire to help horticultural business make unnecessary energy and boil down their environmental impact , GrowSave has become a valuable imagination for the UK sector . The unpredictability of energy terms over the last one-half decade , as demonstrated by gasolene Leontyne Price waver between less than £ 0.30 / therm and over £ 0.70 / therm , coupled with the increased demand for yr - round green groceries , has been a significant driver in the desire of businesses to carefully superintend their energy usance . To aid the industry keep abreast of the late developments in energy saving technique , as well as to send word on alternative ( and often ‘ greener ’ ) sources of energy , GrowSave has provide numerous workshops , publication and articles .
The availableness of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme since 2011 has been fundamental to helping businesses concentrate their carbon footprint by adopting renewable engineering . While substantial investiture is often required to take advantage of the scheme , the advice and expertise provided by GrowSave have allowed many to realize the long - terminus fiscal benefits of government activity incentive .
Also , by helping line recognise areas of potential energy efficiency betterment , whether through the purpose of thermal screens in glasshouses or by adopting more effective mood control strategy , for example , GrowSave has significantly reduced the amount pay out by the industry in the form of the Climate Change Levy .
GrowSave has spend a significant amount of time look into good pattern in other European state , particularly Belgium and the Netherlands . The findings have been fertilise back to UK agriculturalist through seminar , study tours and a buffer field of study group programme , which trialled Next Generation Growing ( NGG ) techniques . Through this close collaboration with growers , those regard were able-bodied to understand the potential welfare of NGG and were given the authority to implement techniques which may previously have will them feel uncomfortable .
Another of import ingredient in increasing the impact of the GrowSave program has been its expansion into other sectors . Originally focused on Protected Edibles and Protected Ornamentals , GrowSave has latterly also incorporated Soft Fruit . Investigations have already been carry out into how the UK industry compares to that of some of its European neighbours , and work continues in helping growers go through turn up strategy for more profitable crop yield .
go forward GrowSave will continue to provide effective energy saving advice to the industry , while also help businesses keep abreast of the late technical and strategical developments . We will continue to deport the programme over the next five long time .
