In the midst of a patchwork quilt of agricultural land in North Yorkshire, England, stands a boxy white building that is as sterile, smooth and right-angled as a hospital. Inside this 2,400-square-foot structure are two sets of French doors that swing open to reveal two identical rooms bathed in eerie purple light. Here, scientists wearing white coats, hairnets and face masks monitor racks of baby green plants.
Advances in LED technology are helping to create an environment where vegetables can be produced at scale for maximum impact — with higher yields and shorter grow cycles, no matter what climate.