At a time when many greenhouse growers in the UK and the Netherlands are cutting back on cropping due to record energy prices, a Spalding-based ornamentals producer says that biomass heating has been the key to bypassing the energy crisis.
Bridge Farm Group, which is the UK’s largest poinsettia grower, supplying Tesco and other retailers, told Business Live that by using biomass they had been able to cut their bills and compete with Dutch growers.
Managing director Louise Motala said, “Growing poinsettias at this time of year requires heat and we know that Dutch growers have cut back on production this year due to rising gas prices. We have been able to manage our energy costs through the use of sustainable biomass heating, enabling us to continue to produce over one million UK grown poinsettias again this year and ensuring that consumers will still be able to buy this much-loved festive plant this Christmas.”
Tesco plant buyer Vicky l’Anson added, “When poinsettias first became popular as a houseplant in the late 20th century, we used to import them from Holland, but now most of our stock is grown in the UK, with Bridge Farm Group our main supplier.
“The British variety are more acclimatised to the UK climate, so not only do they involve fewer road miles by being grown closer to home, but they are hardier too.”