UK Greenhouse Project Aims to Reduce Reliance on Spanish Tomato Imports

A groundbreaking greenhouse initiative in Essex is set to revolutionise British tomato production, reducing the country’s dependence on imports from Spain and other nations. The Rivenhall greenhouse project, planned to be the second largest of its kind in the UK, promises to contribute 7% of the nation’s tomato supply, a significant boost to domestic horticulture.

The facility, spanning a vast 40-hectare site at a former gravel quarry near Braintree, will focus exclusively on growing tomatoes. With an annual target of 30,000 tonnes, this development addresses the UK’s long-term reliance on importing 86% of its tomato consumption from countries such as Spain, Morocco, and the Netherlands. The UK’s domestic production has increasingly stagnated, with the sector facing pressures such as rising gas prices and cheaper international imports.

Ed Moorhouse, project director of Rivenhall Greenhouse Ltd, believes this initiative is a timely solution. The greenhouse will be powered by a nearby incinerator owned by Dutch firm Indaver. Heat, electricity, and carbon dioxide supplied by the facility will provide Rivenhall with low-cost energy, fixed at stable rates for a decade. This innovation would shield growers from unpredictable energy price spikes and marks a major shift for sustainable food production in the country.

The project is expected to generate around 500 jobs, with plans to incorporate automated systems such as robotic vehicles for transporting and packing harvested tomatoes. Moorhouse sees this as a strategic blueprint for addressing the UK’s volatile food security issues and increasing reliance on domestic resources. He commented, “This project will play a vital role in strengthening resilience in the UK’s agricultural sector and reducing our reliance on foreign growers.”

Despite its merits, local concerns have emerged over the size of the operation. James Abbott, Green Party councillor for Silver End and Cressing, highlighted the project’s potential impact on the rural landscape. He noted that the cumulative impact of large-scale developments in the area, including quarries, incinerators, and new housing projects, has led to growing unease amongst residents. Abbott suggested downsizing the greenhouse to mitigate its overall environmental footprint.

A public consultation on the Rivenhall project is currently underway, with plans for construction to begin in 2026. Planting is scheduled to follow between April and June 2027. Advocates believe this initiative will substantially bolster the UK’s food security while creating opportunities for local and national economic growth.

Research has shown that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK to recommended levels could generate tens of thousands of jobs in horticulture. Lydia Collas, head of natural environment at think tank Green Alliance, asserted, “Increasing domestic production is essential, not only for improving public health but also for ensuring economic opportunities remain within the country.”

The Rivenhall greenhouse could serve as a beacon for future farming initiatives, blending innovation and sustainability to meet growing demographic and economic challenges.