In the UK, there are 32 officially-registered PO’s or, collectively, approximately 1,000 growers. Together, these grower groups contribute almost 50% of the total market value of domestically-produced fresh produce. In the soft fruit sector this is particularly evident, UK PO members are responsible for over 90% of production. Through the scheme, growers have been able to increase produce availability by increasing yields up to 300%.

The structure of the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme allows growers the independence to allocate capital investments where they will have the biggest influence. Underscoring the value of co-investment and collaboration, growers contribute only 50% of project costs with the remaining amount match funded via the Government. With the closing date for funding imminent, don’t miss out on the opportunity to invest in research, innovation and technology to help grow your business.

A number of growers have been able to secure funding for their FlowSteama equipment, delivering vastly improved operational efficiency and the recycling of their growing substrates. Read on to find out how we can help your business do the same.

The PO Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is an EU-originated support mechanism continued in the UK post-Brexit, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the local horticultural sector. Operated through POs, it enables growers to apply for match funding for eligible projects and investments. This match funding principle, in which responsibility is shared between public and private funding, encourages the adoption of innovative technologies, infrastructure improvements, equipment development and environmentally-conscious applications.

FlowSteama equipment aligns with the scheme’s fundamental goals. Examples of the equipment’s benefits can be found below.

In the EU, where a longer 7-year budget programme is in place, there are a total of 1,600 POs receiving funding of circa £1.5 billion through these schemes. The UK’s annual funding budget of £40 million guarantees the 1,000 recognised PO growers a maximum 5-year support programme.

Salad harvesting rigs, UK mushroom industry automation and development into photovoltaic systems for energy conservation, are all examples of what the scheme enables. These have advanced grower’s businesses, increasing yield and productivity. More information about the benefits of the scheme can be found here >

Only recognised POs or recognised Associations of POs can apply and receive financial benefits under this scheme. If you are part of a recognised PO, now is the time to:
1. Confirm PO recognition and registration.
2. Prepare your Operational Programme, detailing all eligible activities. The deadline to do this is 15th September.
3. Submit all documentation and ensure no parts of your project are double financed.

Eligible products include vegetables, soft fruits and an extensive array of herbs. The full, comprehensive list can be found here, along with eligibility guidance >

Growers who fail to act now may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the years ahead, especially considering the scheme has been extended in Scotland and potentially Northern Ireland, and is still valid in the EU.

Boosting productivity and profits, FlowSteama technology enables the recycling and cleaning of spent growing media. Scaled and designed with the customer’s requirements in mind, FlowSteama equipment gives growers the ability to:
• Reuse and revitalise growing substrates such as soil, compost and coco coir.
• Eliminate weeds, pests, and pathogens without the use of harmful chemicals.
• Lower growing media purchasing costs by reducing dependency on virgin material
• Lower carbon emissions associated with the importation of single-use substrate
• Significantly reduce waste volumes through recycling spent substrate - recycling value.
• Improve crop hygiene and quality with certified pathogen-free media.
• Encourage longer fruiting seasons, leading to bigger fruits and healthier plants.
• Significantly increase yields; grower’s report 100% higher yields in steam-treated coir blend vs freshly imported coir.

Combining substrate waste reduction, energy efficiency and overall enhanced productivity, FlowSteama aligns with the grower’s main goals, guaranteeing successful grant funding. Adopting regenerative techniques, FlowSteama allows growers to reduce carbon emissions and input costs. We encourage those interested in FlowSteama to get in touch with our team where we will endeavour to support the application process.

By steam sterilising and recycling growing media, growers have the opportunity to reduce waste, improve efficiency and avoid fertiliser/pesticide use, thereby reducing the expenditure of purchasing virgin growing material.

A number of FlowSteama owners have had proven success purchasing their equipment via funding schemes. In one case, a customer had a large stockpile of spent coir on-site; FlowSteama enabled a saving of £600,000/yr of the purchasing cost of virgin coir while the capital cost of the equipment was match funded. Overall, this offered a substantial ROI for the grower.

Learn more about FlowSteama’s resource preservation here >

The table indicates the potential savings using FlowSteama vs. purchasing single-use, virgin substrates*.

*This table serves as an example. Costs may vary significantly depending on input material, system size, capacity, automation and existing infrastructure.

FlowSteama equipment features unique technological and design innovations which contribute to improving the grower’s productivity and the development of enhanced resilience, through enabling on-site recycling.

FlowSteama uses super-heated 200’C steam which not only removes pests, bacteria and diseases from steamed growing material, but also unlocks nutrient availability, encouraging healthy roots of crops grown in the steamed material. FlowSteama can be configured to use on-site residual heat and uses low pressure dry steam, ensuring energy efficiency with minimal regulatory requirements.

FlowSteama’s PulseWave™ agitation motion ensures equal steam distribution across the whole load while time at temperature controls, adjusted based on customer requirements, typically 30 minutes at 85’C, ensure a uniform temperature profile. The SteamStation™ HMI, which features unique sensor and logging controls, provides evidence-based process assurance.

Super-low operating costs ✓ Energy efficient ✓ Modular & compact ✓ Improves sustainability ✓ Promotes resource efficiency ✓ Lowers production costs ✓ Reduces chemical fertilisers and pesticides in production ✓ Increases grower’s control over substrate material

Overall, FlowSteama allows for the enhanced management of land, soil, and growing substrates, ensuring growers can reuse spent substrate material, replace chemical sterilisation methods, enhance hygiene and reduce waste, contributing to improved environmental sustainability.

Learn more about FlowSteama >

At Stronga, we like finding situations where our products add value to customers. FlowSteama adds significant value, ensuring growers are able to safely recyle their spent growing substrates with super-heated steam. Contact Stronga to find out more about the equipment; and let us support your grant fund applications – enquiries@stronga.com