1. Scope and aims of this Policy
This Sustainable Agriculture Policy applies to vertical farming and other controlled-environment food production activities undertaken by the HEADTURNED Foundation. It covers system design, day-to-day operations, and partnerships related to our farming work.
Our aim is to grow food in ways that protect soil, water, wildlife, and the climate, while supporting local communities and complementing our wider conservation and rewilding plans.
2. Chemical use and integrated pest management
We avoid the routine use of pesticides and herbicides, using the advantages of controlled-environment agriculture to manage pests through design, hygiene, and biological controls wherever possible.
Where treatments are considered necessary, they are carefully assessed for environmental and health impact, used in line with legal requirements, and documented so that their use can be monitored and reviewed.
3. Water stewardship
Water use is minimised through recirculation, closed-loop or highly efficient irrigation systems, and monitoring to reduce losses. We seek to protect local water sources by preventing nutrient run-off and pollution.
Water quality is monitored on a regular basis, and infrastructure is maintained to reduce the risk of leaks, overflows, or contamination that could impact surrounding ecosystems.
4. Reduced land footprint and habitat protection
By producing food vertically and in controlled environments, we reduce the need to clear or intensively farm large areas of land. This approach is intended to complement our conservation and rewilding aims, allowing more space to be returned to nature or managed for biodiversity.
Where new farming facilities are developed, we consider their location and design in the context of wider land-use plans, aiming to avoid sensitive habitats and to integrate with habitat restoration where possible.
5. Regenerative philosophy in controlled environments
Even in a controlled environment, we follow regenerative principles: recycling nutrients where possible, reducing waste, and designing systems that can be repaired, upgraded, and improved over time rather than discarded.
Organic residues and by-products are managed responsibly and, where feasible, used to support composting, soil improvement, or other restorative activities within the wider Foundation campus or with local partners.
6. Local and seasonal alignment
We prioritise crops that support local food needs and reduce long supply chains, helping to lower transport-related emissions and food waste.
Where feasible, we coordinate production with local growers, community projects, and food networks so that vertical farming complements, rather than competes with, sustainable and regenerative producers in the region.
7. Review and continual improvement
This Policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect developments in sustainable agriculture, conservation science, and relevant laws or standards. Updated versions will be published on this page.
Feedback or concerns related to farming practices can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, under the Foundation's Complaints & Feedback Policy.