Why was thanet earth setup

Sign in to comment on this article Not logged in before? Register for FREE guest access today. Related articles. Load more articles. More Fresh. A lot of it has to do with the selection of the varieties grown. Thanet Earth selects varieties primarily for flavour, but to be commercially viable, the varieties selected are also bred to be very productive through the kind of traditional plant breeding that's been going on for hundreds of years.

Varieties for commercial production have suffered over the years from selection for yield over flavour. Tomatoes have hundreds and hundreds of different chemical compounds in them. However, only about of those elicit a response in terms of flavour, so we've been analysing how flavour is generated in tomatoes and how that links to a customer's sensory perception of that tomato.

We've also been examining the genetics underlying that variation. Traditionally, plant breeding and selection has been about aesthetics, growth habits of the plant and volume, but we want to be able to easily assess multiple varieties for the best and most intense flavour as well. In addition, Thanet Earth provides many unique opportunities for the University's Life Sciences students, allowing them to undertake research projects on fruit quality, plant diseases and site biodiversity.

Access to the facility has been a real help in explaining the complexities of horticulture to students. However, engaging students with plants and their importance is a real challenge.

They don't necessarily understand that there is a huge amount of science involved in horticulture. When we take the students to a modern, very scientific, commercial glasshouse, it is an eye-opening experience for them because they generally think of a tomato as something that is grown in their granny's garden. They don't always appreciate the scale and complexity of the operation — it's a really good chance to engage the students with horticulture.

We bring them to an area where you can literally look out over the top of the complex, providing a rather majestic and impressive view. Once Thanet Earth has achieved its maximum output from its current set up the remaining four greenhouses will be constructed.

Locally, opinion of Thanet Earth is positive. The giant greenhouses have provided over of jobs and mostly they do not complete with the area's established farmers, most of whom grow cauliflowers, potatoes, and cereals.

However, nationally there is a debate over agricultural technology and whether it is right to be growing seasonal crops all year round. BBC Local. BBC Introducing. E-mail this to a friend Printable version. By linking grower, packer and marketeer in one entity at Thanet Earth we have created a compelling customer position that works for all partners in the very short chain from greenhouse to store.

JOBS: Employed and seasonal opportunities for 50 more people bringing site total to approximately It will also increase the electricity generating capacity of the site overall to 24MW — electricity sufficient for 30, homes.