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Students at Hadlow College in Kent are using state-of-the-art technology to help feed the less fortunate this Christmas.

They have grown and harvested over two tonnes of tomatoes in just a few months, using cutting-edge hydroponics to grow the fruit without soil.
Since June, the students have worked in a greenhouse equipped with LED lighting, tiered growing systems, and a soil-free setup, allowing them to cultivate crops year-round.

The facility, part of the newly established Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence, aims to inspire and train the next generation of horticultural specialists while addressing the UK’s food security challenges.

One tonne of the tomatoes, equating to around 2,250 meals, has already been donated to food charities across Kent, distributed through FareShare, which works with over 150 organisations.

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”.

Alan Harvey, the college’s head of curriculum for horticulture, 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.”

Computers monitor everything and LED lighting promotes, meaning the greenhouses can grow grow crops 365 days a year—even in a car park.
The setup is designed with sustainability in mind, recycling water runoff through purification tanks for reuse.

Hadlow’s students have embraced the innovative methods, recognising their importance in tackling climate change and meeting industry needs.
The partnership with Thanet Earth and Growing Kent & Medway ensures students gain hands-on experience with commercial-scale operations, bridging the gap between education and the horticultural industry.

The Centre of Excellence is designed to address a pressing skills shortage in the fresh produce sector. With only 17% of fruit and 55% of vegetables grown domestically, as highlighted by the UK Food Security Index, the initiative is critical for enhancing the nation’s food security.

Dr Nikki Harrison, Director for Growing Kent & Medway, a partner in the initiative, said: “Having the UK’s first Centre of Excellence here in Kent will ensure we have the pipeline of new talent and skills required to keep our region at the forefront of horticultural innovation.

“Linking industry with education ensures that the training provided reflects the latest crop production techniques and knowledge available in modern growing practices. We hope this is the first of many collaborations between industry and further education to address the critical skills shortage our industry faces.”
As the college prepares for its next crop in January, the greenhouse’s ability to flourish in any season symbolises a brighter, more sustainable future for British horticulture.