Commercial polytunnels

The UK soft fruit farming industry has experienced a revival over the past decade. Production is increasing, product variety is expanding, and the industry's value to national GDP is growing. While farming efficiency has contributed, the key factor in this success story is Commercial Polytunnels UK.

Thanks to the introduction of large scale commercial polytunnels, soft fruit farmers have benefited from:

●     Longer Growing Season: Before the use of commercial polytunnels, the growing season lasted approximately eight weeks over June and July. Now, subject to location, growing starts in May and can last right through to September. The extended growing season leads to greater local production and reduces the need for international imports.

●     Higher Quality Fruit: Growing fruit in a polytunnel helps to maintain fruit quality, so the majority of fruit meets the major retailer's strict requirements. Today's savvy consumers pay attention to food miles and often prefer to buy local when possible. British berries are also popular for their flavour and sweetness. Supermarkets are happy to make extra shelf space available when suppliers can guarantee quality and ongoing supply.

●     Lower Pesticide Use: Commercial Polytunnels reduce the use of pesticides by up to 50%. The enhanced growing conditions in a polytunnel lessen the need for chemicals to prevent mould and disease. It is much easier to provide optimal growing conditions in a polytunnel and avoid problems associated with excess moisture such as botrytis and black spot. Another benefit of polytunnel growing is the opportunity to control pests with natural predators instead of pesticides.  One example is using "beetle banks" to target weevils and slugs that like to feast on soft fruit.

●     Organic Farming: The ability to control growing conditions and use natural pest control methods makes polytunnels an ideal option for organic farming. There is a growing demand for organically grown soft fruit, but it is impossible to meet the demand without the use of polytunnels. There would be insufficient quality produce to make organic berry farming viable if the fruit were not grown outside.

 

Despite the many advantages, commercial polytunnels bring to soft fruit farming; there are still those that object to their use. The reasons for their objections are often based on false information or assumptions. Common misconceptions include:

 

●     Soil Sterilisation: A common practice in soft fruit production is soil fumigation NOT sterilisation. Farmers occasionally use fumigation to kill fungal pathogens living in the soil that cause verticillium. The effects of fumigation are temporary, and the earth returns to its natural state after 12 months.

●     Polytunnels Are Permanent: Commercial polytunnels are more substantial structures than domestic Polytunnels. Despite this, they are still temporary structures. Farmers frequently move their polytunnels season by season to maintain soil quality. They are also required to remove the plastic covering for 6motnhs per year.

●     Polytunnels Are Not Environmental: There is a misconception that Polytunnels aren't environmental because of their high plastic content. While it is true, there is a considerable amount of plastic in a polytunnel cover; the cover is more environmentally friendly than people realise. All polytunnel covers are made from polyethene and as a single plastic product are 100% recyclable. Increased production of local fruit reduces international imports which reduces food miles and consequently, carbon emissions. The controlled environment of a polytunnel also reduces the number of pesticides and chemical sprays used in fruit production.