Professor Omar Almaghrabi, from the University of Jeddah, in the Plant Factory at the University of Plymouth

Professor Omar Almaghrabi, from the University of Jeddah, in the Plant Factory at the University of Plymouth

Scientists at the University of Plymouth are teaming up with colleagues in Saudi Arabia to try and identify ways to help the country reduce its reliance on crop imports.Academics in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences have signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Jeddah to explore joint projects that would allow plants to be grown in controlled conditions in the Middle East.
The link has been partly facilitated through a grant from the British Council, and will aim to replicate a project at the University, Plant Factory Cornwall.
Funded through Agri-Tech Cornwall, Plant Factory Cornwall aims to use artificial lighting powered by solar energy to create the best possible conditions for fruit and vegetables to flourish.
Based within a multi-tier production unit, its LED lights can be individually programmed to change lighting within the unit and give a precise light recipe for each species.
Scientists from the University of Jeddah attended the launch of that initiative in Plymouth, and are now beginning to examine the potential for it to be replicated in the Saudi Arabia.
Mick Fuller, Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Plymouth, said:
“As it stands, the Middle East is less than 20 per cent self-sufficient in food production. So any technology that allows us to help improve that would be beneficial. Our own Plant Factory could be replicated on any scale, which has the potential to be perfect in a region with such a combination of sunlight and space.”

Professor Omar Almaghrabi, from the University of Jeddah, added:
“This is a very important area of research and it meets the aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Plant Factory could be a key development in helping countries with harsh conditions to improve sustainability, control the conditions for growing food and pharmaceutical crops and reduce the use of water.”
Robot arm picking cauliflowers

Agri-Tech Cornwall

The University of Plymouth is proud to be a partner on the Agri-Tech Cornwall project, a £10 million initiative to help the United Kingdom become a world leader in agricultural technology and sustainability.
Researchers from the University will share their expertise and collaborate with small and medium-sized Cornish companies to research the future sustainability of the sector.
Thermal image of Plymouth taken by Matthew Fox, Environmental Building Group - Special Commendation in Visions of Sustainability 2015

Sustainable Earth Institute

The Sustainable Earth Institute is about promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world.
We bring researchers together with businesses, community groups and individuals to develop cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that build resilience to global challenges. 
We link diverse research areas across the University including science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business.