Vertical Future, a global vertical farming technology and data company, has welcomed one of Cornwall's MPs on a visit to explore their R&D farm in Deptford, London. 

Camborne and Redruth MP George Eustice was invited to visit Vertical Future’s Research and Development site in Deptford where he was shown the company's latest hardware and software by Vertical Future‘s R&D and Operations teams.

The team showcased how Vertical Future’s use of data-driven software and hardware helped them reduce reliance on imported foods while also attempting to cut emissions, and minimise land use.

The system, managed by proprietary, UK-designed and built hardware and software, allows the delivery of light, heat, water, and nutrients to be tailored to the needs of crops at each growth stage.

Speaking about the visit, George Eustice MP said: "It was great to see the pioneering research and development being carried out by Vertical Future. 

"The Government Food Strategy published last July recognised the huge potential to expand UK production from protected cropping and vertical farming. 

"Vertical farming allows a fully controlled environment with more accurate use of different light spectrums to deliver improved shelf life; better water resource efficiency through aeroponic irrigation systems and the elimination of pesticide use. 

"It is also a technology that has great potential in parts of the world such as the Gulf States where conventional agriculture is challenging."

Dr Jen Bromley, Chief Scientific Officer at Vertical Future, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome George Eustice to Vertical Future’s research and development farm, and we were proud to showcase our vision of the future of the agriculture industry.

"With his deep knowledge of the sector, Mr Eustice is well aware of the challenges faced by the agriculture sector in the UK and globally and we hope he found his visit to the farm interesting."

George Eustice, served as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs between February 2020 and September 2022, previously serving as Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries from July 2019 to February 2020, and for a longer period between October 2013 and February 2019.