At STC (Stockbridge Technology Centre) in Cawood, an undergoing project is being investigated for the potential of growing strawberries via the use of LED Lighting. Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s approached the centre hoping to expand to its customers the availability of British strawberries throughout the whole year, as opposed to its current shelf life which ranges from April to November.

Experts are currently in the middle of developing several LED lighting growth strategies which will enable them to fool the strawberry plants into thinking that it is spring. Science Director at Stockbridge Technology Centre, Martin McPherson, said “I had an idea about using LED lighting in horticulture as globally we need to increase food production considerably. However, with the increasing level of urbanisation and the increased risk of climate disruption, it is leaving the industry with more problems in production and efficiency.”

This method means that the growing season will be extended via the use of LED Lighting with a move into warehouses and out of the current glass house environment. The centre has been working with Sainsbury’s for just one season now to look at season extension and improved productivity for strawberries.

He then went on to add, “It is quite expensive technology at the moment, however energy prices are continuing to rise so energy- efficient lighting is becoming more popular. Climate change will continue to affect us too. A number of factors will make this method of growing more attractive over time. We need to investigate the science behind it so when the economics are right we will have the science there ready to go.”

Sainsbury’s are hoping to double sales for their food sourced in Britain within the next 7 years, after researchers found in a study that 80% of its customers preferred to buy UK grown products, up from the 55%it was just 6 years ago.