Local strawberry growing company, Vicarage Nurseries, have visited the new innovative agri-tech systems being trialled at Pershore College, to see how their business will be able to benefit.
On visiting the college, the company was provided a tour of the new hydroponic growing room and 3D bionics tunnel by Professor Roy Kennedy, allowing Vicarage Nurseries to view first-hand how the technology could support their business to grow. Following a research and development project using the hydroponic tunnel, Vicarage Nurseries will now be working with Pershore College to implement the new technologies.
Evesham based, Vicarage Nurseries, was established in 1996 with the aim to grow quality British produce. Today the company has grown into a multi-award winning company supplying soft fruit to major supermarkets. The company, constantly seeking to innovate and apply new technologies, was introduced to the College after a business support meeting with Worcestershire Business Central’s Business Engagement Manager, Randesh Kalar.
Randesh Kalar, lead for agri-tech at WBC, commented: “With the innovative agricultural technology at Pershore College, Vicarage Nurseries will be able to further develop their growing methods, and consequently build on their solid reputation.”
Bal Padda, commercial director at Vicarage Nurseries, said: “The support provided by Worcestershire Business Central has been indelible. We look to be at the forefront in using innovative agri-tech solutions, and this can only benefit our business – saving not only space and time, but labour too.”
Pershore College launched the groundbreaking agri-tech initiative in Spring 2017 with a £500,000 investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Government’s Growth Deal. Professor Roy Kennedy is leading the agri-tech programme at the college, which addresses skills shortages in agriculture and horticulture that act as a barrier to innovation and growth in Worcestershire.
Ian Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive at Worcestershire LEP, said “It is fantastic that Worcestershire businesses can make the most of the innovative agri-tech available in our County. Agri-tech is one of Worcestershire’s key sectors for economic growth and our investment into Pershore College is allowing businesses in the area to benefit from their cutting-edge facilities.”
For further information on the investment taking place at Pershore College, visit the Worcestershire LEP website.
For more information on how Worcestershire Business Central can support your business to grow, contact the team on 01905 677 888, email info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk, or visit the WBC website.