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Fresh produce in remote and inhospitable places is now economically feasible, thanks to the science of hydroponics. Areas such as the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, which are devoid of native mammals and native trees, now have access to nutrient rich fresh vegetables thanks to Stanley Growers.
Hydroponics Bring Life to Land of Rock
The main geographic feature of the Falklands, an archipelago of islands 300 miles east of Argentina, is rock. The islands, composed of two large islands and over 700 small, uninhabited islands, are volcanic formations. Grass and ferns are the primary native forms of vegetation. Because of the rocky terrain, traditional farming is not an option in Stanley. Fresh fruits and vegetables of questionable freshness had to be shipped in to the island residents, at huge prices. In 1988, conditions changed. The Falkland Islands Development Corporation invested in a greenhouse in which to grow vegetables, and a new era sprouted.
Water Everywhere
Though the islands are completely surrounded by water, salt water cannot be used for hydroponics nutrient solutions. Thus, the largest expense encountered by the ever-expanding Stanley Growers is for purified water. Electricity is also a must for growing vegetables under glass during cold winter months. That is where cruise ships become part of the equation. Stanly Growers recycles oil from cruise ships stopping to pick up fresh produce into fuel to heat the greenhouses.
Planes, Trains and . . . Boats
Stanley Grower’s biggest contracts come from cruise lines and from the military. Cruise lines praise the fresh, high quality lettuce, greens, peppers and other produce grown at the farm. Few other places in the region can supply enough vegetables to make a stop worthwhile. Quality of Stanley Farms’ hydroponics lettuce also helps ensure its place in Cruise Industry Cuisine. The farm is one of the top suppliers to the cruise industry.
The military in the UK is the largest contractor of Stanley Farms’ produce. After a long process to set up the military contract, the farms now provide hundreds of tons of fresh produce to military personnel passing through the region. A great addition to pre-packaged military meals.
Tomatoes Lead to Trees
The first product of the farms were tomatoes; however, on islands marked by little native vegetation, ornamental trees and flowers produced by the farm have become popular as well. Residents of the islands now landscape their yards with plants purchased from Stanley Farms. What started as a hydroponics greenhouse to provide some fresh vegetables has turned into a multi-faceted industry on the tiny town in the middle of a tiny rock, in the middle of the huge ocean.
Sustainable Farming through Hydroponics
Tim and Jan Miller are the current owners and managers of Stanley Growers. Under their care, the company continues to grow. The Millers maintain a pesticide-free, organic operation, utilizing beneficial insects and organic fertilizers and nutrients to produce their crops. Along with conserving what little soil exists on the island, the Millers also farm with sustainable, low impact methods. By doing so, they ensure their own success and longevity. Long live the lettuce!