Commercial Polytunnels and the Countryside

The increasing use of Commercial Polytunnels in agriculture is fast becoming a socially divisive issue. Advocates are quick to point out the commercial and environmental benefits of polytunnel production while opponents counter with the negative environmental impact and lack of regulation.

 

When it comes to changes in agricultural practices and polytunnels in particular, it is vital to be objective and weigh up the pros and cons. It's impossible to please all of the people all of the time, so what is in the majority's best interests?

 

Polytunnels Positives

There is no doubt that commercial polytunnel use in the UK has increased local production of most soft fruit crops such as strawberries, raspberries and cherries, as well as crops like tomatoes and lettuces. Not only has production increased, but so has crop quality. For example, the majority of strawberries grown in the UK are now classed grade 1 and can be sold in all supermarkets across the country. Previously the majority of berries were of lower quality and sold for fruit processing. Better quality local produce has had a significant environmental and economic impact. A reduction in imports means fewer food miles and lower carbon emissions and fresher produce.

 

The protected environment under a polytunnel also allows growers to reduce the number of pesticides they use on their crops, making it a safer and healthier alternative for all consumers. In addition, it is also easier to grow crops organically at lower costs making organic produce commercially viable for both the producer and consumer.

 

Job creation is another huge positive when it comes to polytunnel industrial farming. Not only are there more local jobs available in food production and transportation sectors, but there are also jobs in providing polytunnel services. Polytunnel installation and refurbishment creates jobs across the country as both domestic and commercial polytunnels are installed and maintained, as the interest for both small and larger growers is allowing new fresh opportunities of different crops that can now be home grown successfully.

 

Common Objections

The majority of objections to commercial polytunnel use are from rural residents directly affected by polytunnel construction. Rural residents cite issues with solar glare from the polythene, monoculture crops and excess water run-off from large covered areas. Some also claim excessive soft fruit growth encourages rodents such as rats. While traditional growing methods and rural diversity may be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, the reality is agriculture and horticultureare both rapidly changing industries struggling to produce sufficient crops for the continuously growing world's population.

 

Others concerns around polytunnels are about the reliance on plastic. While at first glance, a polytunnel may seem like an oversized plastic polluter, horticultural grade polythene is a single plastic and is 100% recyclable. In fact, many polytunnel cover manufacturers will retrieve their old worn or damaged products back when they reach the end of their life spanand refurbishing or recovering with new material. The old polythene is then 100% recycled into 2nd life products such as reusable garden refuse sacks and silage wraps. 

 

Polytunnels-Countryside Blight or a Boon?

There can be no doubt that polytunnels are a beneficial addition to commercial growing setups. They allow for increased production of crops, create local jobs and reduce our reliance on food imports. People may object to the over-commercialisation of farming and growing and the changes happening to our rural landscapes, but they must also consider the realities of reducing polytunnel farming. Are they happy to accept seasonal local produce at a lower quality but pay higher prices? Do their objections to commercial polytunnel farming also apply to imported produce? A return to traditional open-field farming will create a more unstable and less diverse local food supply and increase our reliance on imports.

 

Commercial Polytunnel farming is here to stay. For the majority of the population, the pros far outweigh the cons. This is true from a domestic as well as commercial level.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about commercial polytunnels, their uses for agriculture, livestock and storage talk to the experts at PolytunnelsRus. We are a leading UK Polytunnel supplier servicing the UK market. We supply a wide range of commercial polytunnels suitable for storage, agriculture, horticulture and livestock. Contact us today on 088 772 0568 for a free no-obligation quote.