Red Planet Farms

17/01/2023

Out-of-this-world Wheat

Could Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) be the key to growing wheat on Mars?

Scientists are conducting an early stage research project to explore the potential of off-world food production, to further support human space exploration and push the boundaries of innovation.

The project centres around cultivating wheat indoors, specifically within a vertical farm environment, and involves Red Planet Farms and agri-tech centre Crop Health and Protection (CHAP).

Founder and CEO of Red Planet Farms, Chris Fisher, said: “As the global events of 2022 demonstrated, humanity needs to develop creative new ways to secure the future of food production, for one, maximising the potential of CEA technologies.

“We’re immensely interested in how these technologies can be utilised in off-world applications, beyond our current planet. This is because we believe colonies and space exploration missions of the future cannot rely on resupply missions from Earth.

“Instead, they will need to be fully self-sufficient in high calorie food production, to ensure that astronauts have access to fresh, nutrient-dense produce.”

The research is taking place at CHAP’s Vertical Farming Development Centre (VFDC) at Stockbridge Technology Centre near York. The facility offers the testing and development of new technologies for vertical farms, as well as variety trials and crop breeding.

For this project, work is focusing on the early stages of wheat growth, from germination through to crop establishment. Agronomic variables such as crop varieties, sowing density, substrates, irrigation regimes and lighting requirements will be investigated.

It is hoped the results will provide insight to build initial guidelines for complete indoor wheat production.

Technical Liaison Officer for CHAP, Lucy Plowman, is overseeing the project’s practical work. She said: “Cultivating wheat within a vertical farm presents many obvious challenges. However, research is already taking place that evaluates the potential of growing energy-intensive crops such as cereals, within alternative growing environments.

“If successful, this would offer an alternative system and contribute towards future food security challenges, for both on- and off-world populations.

“We look forward to shaping our understanding of what the future could look like in an ever-changing world, maximising the benefits of CEA beyond what we previously thought possible.”

The project is being funded by the RTO Grant Support Scheme operated by Innovate UK EDGE.

For more information about this project, contact:
CHAP

at [email protected] or visit www.chap-solutions.co.uk

or

Red Planet Farms
at [email protected] or visit www.redplanetfarms.co.uk

14/10/2022

We are thrilled to announce that has been awarded the Sustainable Startup of the Year Award 2022!

Thank you to everyone for your support and helping us achieve our sustainability milestones!

25/08/2022

Since entries closed, the judges have been whittling down a shortlist. After some tough deliberation, here's who made the cut for the five categories.

26/05/2022

Looking to bring your dishes to the next level? Checkout our Red Radish Microgreens for that extra hit of flavour and spice!

22/05/2022

We are super excited to announce that you can now get your favourite microgreens at on Burton road! I’m

These delicious pots are 100% compostable and full of essential vitamins and nutrients! Keep them in sunlight and harvest them as needed for your homemade meals 🥗🥪🌮🍔

Follow us and to keep an eye out for more exciting products soon! 👀

21/05/2022

Go checkout the amazing dishes creates!

This miso cod topped with our Mustard Wasabi looks absolutely stunning! 🤤🐟🌱

Are you a chef or would like to collaborate? Send us a message and we would love to work with you!

20/05/2022

Trying out a new Mustard Wasabi at our pilot site! Full of amazing Wasabi flavour and great as a topping on sushi 🍣😍

This is definitely one to try out!

11/05/2022

Nasturtium leaves are a chef favourite! They add the perfect flavour to any dessert or cocktail. 🍮🍸

With peppery notes and a beautiful round shape, they are a must try!

Are you a chef? Contact us today to collaborate!

08/05/2022

07/05/2022

We are very excited to announce some big news!

We are rebranding as Red Planet Farms!

We have big ambitions to not only change agriculture here on Earth, but to also be a part of the solution that feeds off-world colonies in the future. We wanted a brand that represents our commitment to sustainability and our aspirations of feeding humanity on the Red Planet.

We are developing growing systems for space, to feed astronauts fresh and health food during extended missions. As well as always focusing on growing environmentally friendly food here on Earth. We are aiming to tackle food insecurity caused by Climate Change and supply chains issues here in the UK and beyond. Eradicating food deserts and reducing “Food Miles” is at the core of our mission statement.

We are thrilled for the journey ahead and thank everyone for their support so far! Stay tuned for some big developments coming soon!

05/05/2022

Pea shoots are an instant classic and one of the UK’s most popular Microgreens!

Are you a chef or do you work in hospitality? Are you interested in collaborating with us? Send us a message or come stop by for a visit!

28/04/2022

We at Aztec Farms are working in collaboration with Bruntwood SciTech to improve our waste streams! We are donating all of our organic matter to the Science Park Community Garden!
By doing this we reduce our landfill waste and decrease the milage our waste travels, in turn lowering our carbon footprint and fertilising local soils.

The benefits of composting include:

👨🏻‍🌾 Enriching soils with nutrients and subsequently reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
🦠 Improving soil structure, nutrient content, and health resulting in healthier plant growth.
💦 Reducing water usage as soil with compost retains more water.

24/04/2022

Come stop by and visit us at the West Didsbury today from 11 - 4!

20/04/2022

Repost of this wonderful ramen bowl created by

Beef rib ramen in a homemade broth with pak choi, kimchi, soft boiled egg, chilli, sugar snap peas and our fresh garlic chives and nasturtium microgreens.

Fancy being creative with our microgreens? Drop us a message for a free sample, as we would love to see your dishes!

19/04/2022

Preparations for our second Makers Market this Sunday!
Currently on the grow are our fantastic live trays, trays for our mixed salad boxes and our microgreen punnets 🌱

Are you a chef or do you work in the hospitality industry? Send us a DM as we would love to collaborate!

04/04/2022

Our vibrant red amaranth, beautifully delicate microgreens that not only awaken dishes with their striking colour, but also provide subtle earthy flavours 🌱

Are you a chef or do you work in the hospitality industry? Send us a DM as we’d love to collaborate!

🌱

30/03/2022

Fresh, vibrant and flavourful 🌱🍜

Showcasing our aromatic Thai basil microgreens in this delicious king prawn and mushroom pho.
Served alongside smokey chestnut and enoki mushrooms, garlic and chilli tender-stem broccoli , sweet soy sauce prawns, fresh noodles, baby spinach and fresh mint.

Are you a chef or do you work in the hospitality industry? Send us a DM as we’d love to collaborate!

🌱