Researchers at the James Hutton Institute have secured £2.4m in funding to initiate three innovative projects aimed at 'transforming' horticultural practices in the UK.

The funding includes initiatives such as light pulsing technologies in vertical farming (£305k) and the development of genetic tools to advance breeding for indoor-grown lettuce (£562k).

Additionally, an extra £350k has been obtained from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to lead research in medicinal cannabis.

Support from agricultural industry partners, totalling £1.22m for the three projects, brings the overall funding to £2.4m.

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These multi-year projects are designed to reform horticultural practices while using modern breeding techniques to advance new products and services. They highlight sustainability, advanced pharmaceutical applications, and genetic research.

One initiative will focus on developing ‘super-lettuce’ varieties that flourish in low light, making dense urban and indoor environments viable for future cultivation.

This research aims to guide in a new era of ‘hyper-efficient’ urban agriculture that enhances both yield and quality by pinpointing and optimising key traits for these previously unsuitable locations. It is also anticipated that this research will lower the industry's carbon footprint and assist the UK in achieving its sustainability objectives.

Another project will position the Dundee-based James Hutton Institute as a hub for cutting-edge light pulsing technology.

This research aims to transform the vertical growth of basil and other herbs by enhancing efficiency, nutritional quality, and reducing energy usage. The project prioritises sustainability, food security, and decreasing the UK’s dependence on imported produce.

Derek Stewart, director of the advanced plant growth centre, expressed optimism that these projects will maintain the James Hutton Institute's leadership in UK agricultural research.

He stated: “Research will also see our team prove vital in the future food security and sustainability of this nation through our vertical farming project.

"We hope the success of these projects will be felt for many years to come."

The final project is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for medicinal cannabis by standardising the product to meet pharmaceutical quality through environmental strategy and the development of novel cannabis plant structures.

Currently, the cultivars show significant variability based on their growing regions, leading to different cannabinoid profiles. This research seeks to employ controlled environment agriculture technologies to produce a consistent product, aiding the UK in retaining its status as the world’s leading producer and exporter of medicinal cannabis.