Test Valley-based vertical farm secures £22.5k grant to double capacity
Test Valley based business, Lusso Leaf, has received a £22,500 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, allocated through Test Valley Borough Council, to help it double its output and create new opportunities.
Lusso Leaf is a vertical farm, which means it grows its produce indoors in stacked layers instead of in fields. The company uses smart technology and water-based growing systems (called hydroponics) to produce fresh micro herbs and edible flowers under strictly controlled lighting, temperature and humidity conditions. It produces premium plants which are in demand among top chefs and restaurants because of their intense colours and flavours.
The grant has funded new equipment, including LED lighting, shelving, trays, and an irrigation system for a second growing room, as well as a second refrigerated van to deliver produce. This expansion has already helped Lusso Leaf secure a major contract with a premium greengrocer in New Covent Garden Market, which supplies the top 100 finest restaurants in London.
Richard Kennedy, Co-Founder of Lusso Leaf said: "Lusso Leaf’s objectives for the year were to double our capacity, expand our product portfolio, especially edible flowers, and to reach more clients outside of Hampshire. The timely support from TVBC has helped the company achieve all of these goals. The unexpected bonus from this investment has been a significant improvement in the quality of our produce, making Lusso Leaf a desirable choice for some of the most talented chefs across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire and London."
Councillor Alison Johnston, who visited Lusso Leaf to see the new facilities, said: “The hospitality sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, which makes Lusso Leaf’s success all the more impressive. This investment is enabling them to strengthen their position, secure new contracts and bring Test Valley-grown produce to some of the most prestigious establishments in London. It’s a great example of innovation supporting rural businesses.”
The UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that provides capital funding for rural business and rural communities. Test Valley Borough Council received just over half a million pounds up to end March 2025 which has been distributed between businesses and community organisations across the rural areas of our borough to help develop our rural economy. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/businessgrantsandsupport/grantsandfunding