The UK’s first Centre of Excellence in greenhouse growing has had a bumper opening year, with a tonne of its produce being redistributed by a national food charity.
The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College, was officially unveiled this summer and is a groundbreaking partnership between the College, leading industry grower Thanet Earth, research and innovation organisation Growing Kent & Medway and a number of other organisations in the greenhouse industry, including the food charity FareShare.
During 2024 it donated a tonne of its produce to FareShare, providing the equivalent of 2,260 meals and supporting 27 charity and community groups the food charity, and one of the sponsors of the Centre of Excellence, has revealed.
Alan Harvey, Head of Horticulture, Hadlow College, said: “It has been a fantastic first year working with our partners and sponsors and to see so much produce distributed by FareShare is very important to us and our students”.
Emma Brown, Commercial Manager Produce at FareShare UK, added: “We know that those who are facing food insecurity are less able to spend money on fruit and vegetables. Your support enables us to redistribute fresh produce to people who may struggle to access these vital foods. Thank you”.
