A £2 million research project has descended into the depths of North Yorkshire, where scientists are pioneering the world's deepest farming study in a disused mine. The 12-month experiment, backed by a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) award, aims to prove whether crops can thrive beneath the surface – and at a fraction of the energy cost.
The study is being conducted at the Boulby Underground Laboratory, where researchers have leveraged its unique conditions: stable temperatures and natural shielding from cosmic radiation. This should significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with above-ground vertical farming, where lighting, heating, and climate control are major expenses.
A collaboration between The University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food and food producer Farm Urban, crucial support is being provided by Boulby laboratory staff. Over the next year, crops will be meticulously monitored to gather comprehensive data on yield, energy usage, and overall running costs – essential for building a robust model.
Professor Sean Paling, Director of STFC Boulby Underground Laboratory, said hosting the vertical farm study was 'a natural extension' of their scientific portfolio. He believes if successful, the project could unlock significant potential for repurposing thousands of disused mine sites across the UK – many situated in economically deprived areas.
Jacob Nickles, co-lead of The University of Sheffield’s Controlled Environment Agriculture group, acknowledged that while underground farming is not new, concrete real-world evidence has been lacking. The research will confront challenges such as ambient salt or residual heat from past mining activities to determine the feasibility of growing crops in these specific conditions.
The implications of successful underground farming are far-reaching: a more resilient food production system, insulated from unpredictable weather patterns and seasonal variations. It could also alleviate pressure on agricultural land, reduce fertiliser run-off, and support pollinator habitats by offering an alternative to intensive field-based farming methods. Former mine sites could be repurposed to generate skilled employment opportunities, improve access to fresh produce for local communities, and breathe new life into significant heritage locations.