Supply & installation of CEA systems for the demonstration of community benefits across 3 sites

Tender description

This project is being funded by the Welsh Government through the Foundational Economy Challenge Fund. The Welsh Government is keen to work with business and partners who are committed to the four pillars of the Economic Contract. Suppliers wishing to be considered as our partners in this role will need the ability to offer innovative and cost-effective solutions to deliver strategic and practical support for the lots detailed, in the specified timelines. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is not new to the community food sector, but its approaches have been vastly different, un-co-ordinated and largely un-supported. Through this pilot we will offer real growth potential at a scale that is impactful, replicable and delivers wider benefits. For CEA to be a truly sustainable system of food growing, work is needed (such as this pilot) to trial & test technology and systems that can help to reduce the otherwise heavy ‘fossil fuel’ inputs that can sometimes be required. Use of waste and redundant heat, surplus energy, power through greener technology etc. will all be considered through this pilot and the learning disseminated. The project will provide a test bed for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), in the community setting – the very heart of our Foundational Economy. The project is being led by Social Farms & Gardens supported by Welsh Government’s Horticulture Cluster group and NutriWales CEA Special Interest Group. Three sites will be supported, two in the Valleys and one in Wrexham.