The recent event took place at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), which began an academic and horticultural collaboration with the Plant Empowerment Foundation last year. The workshop highlights the international and cross-sector focus, bringing together the diverse partners involved with the Plant Empowerment Foundation.
ARU Writtle, part of Anglia Ruskin University, is located just outside Chelmsford and serves as a leading centre for agricultural and horticultural education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Originally established as a specialist land-based institution in 1893, Writtle officially became part of ARU following a merger last year.
With over 60 participants, this first Plant Empowerment workshop marks the beginning of a shared journey for both the Foundation and ARU. Their goal is to further develop and share knowledge about sustainable horticulture, helping growers and horticultural professionals produce crops in more sustainable and profitable ways. The holistic approach embraced by all Plant Empowerment partners makes this collaboration truly unique.
“Plant Empowerment view a greenhouse as a connected ecosystem, where light, water, climate, and nutrients need to work in harmony to maximise plant health and productivity. Their innovative approach is transforming indoor crop production, and we were excited to host their first UK workshop here at ARU,” said Kami Baghalian, Senior Lecturer in Crop Production at ARU Writtle
Throughout the two days, attendees benefited from interactive sessions on topics such as optimal plant activity, root zone exploration, year-round pollination, photosynthesis optimisation, and more; all delivered through a holistic approach.
Partners involved included Koppert, Svensson, LetsGrow.com, Hoogendoorn Growth Management, Saint-Gobain Cultilene, Van der Ende Group, and Lumiforte.
