Grown That Way is a collective of leading figures from across the agricultural and horticultural sectors, brought together in response to the climate crisis. Based in Plymouth and founded in 2022, we are committed to helping businesses, communities, and growers adapt to a changing environmental landscape through innovation, education, and sustainable growing practices.
Rooted in science and seeded by knowledge, we combine traditional horticultural expertise with emerging technologies to create practical solutions that support people, protect the planet, and strengthen local communities.
Grown That Way was established to address the challenges facing agriculture, horticulture, and food production in an era of environmental change. Our collective brings together growers, educators, researchers, environmental advocates, and industry professionals who share a common vision: creating sustainable, resilient, and commercially viable growing systems for the future. We support small and micro businesses by providing access to knowledge, innovation, and climate-sensitive growing methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity and resilience.
Grown That Way is a collective which supports people and planet. We exist to help individuals, organisations, and communities embrace innovation, adaptation, and resilience in the face of climate change.
We believe that sustainable growing should be accessible, practical, and commercially viable. Our vision is to create a future where communities are more resilient, businesses are better equipped to adapt, and environmental responsibility is integrated into everyday growing practices. By combining innovation, research, education, and collaboration, Grown That Way is helping to cultivate a greener and more sustainable future.
We Offer: Climate-smart growing expertise, Research and innovation projects, Community engagement programmes, Training and education opportunities, Sustainable growing demonstrations, Partnership and collaboration opportunities, Practical environmental solutions.
Whether you are a grower, business owner, researcher, educator, community organisation, or simply passionate about sustainable growing, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can develop innovative solutions that support people, protect the planet, and create a more resilient future. Supporting People. Protecting Planet. Growing the Future.
Since our launch, Grown That Way has gained regional and national recognition for our innovative approach to community growing and environmental sustainability.
Highlights;
Silver Gilt Medal winner at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show
Best Greener Community Border Award
Official opening of the Jubilee Market Garden by HRH The Princess Royal
Successful recipient of the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund
National recognition for innovative environmental and horticultural projects
Our projects demonstrate how environmental responsibility, community engagement, and innovation can work together to create meaningful change.
Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund In 2022, Grown That Way, through our sister organisation Battling On, was awarded funding through the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund as part of a £1.4 million programme supporting projects that tackle carbon emissions in food and farming. We were proud to be one of only fourteen projects selected globally and the only third-sector organisation within the programme. The fund recognised our unique approach to carbon sequestration, combining traditional growing methods with innovative technologies to create practical, community-focused environmental solutions. Project Objectives Reduce carbon emissions in food production Explore innovative growing technologies Promote sustainable horticulture Support research and development Create opportunities for local communities Share knowledge and best practice across the sector
At Grown That Way, we believe the future of horticulture lies in balancing innovation with nature. Our work explores how modern technology can complement traditional growing methods to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Working alongside the University of Plymouth, we are developing practical models that demonstrate how technology can support lower-carbon food production while remaining accessible to small businesses, growers, and community organisations. Areas of Research Protected growing systems Hydroponic cultivation Carbon reduction strategies Water conservation Robotics and automation Environmental monitoring Sustainable food, flower, and medicinal plant production
The Grown That Way Market Garden was established on reclaimed brownfield land at Merryhue Farm as a living demonstration of sustainable growing and community engagement. Officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, the garden showcases how underused land can be transformed into productive, environmentally responsible growing spaces. Features Polytunnels Raised accessible growing beds No-dig cultivation areas Compost trial beds Food crop production Flower and medicinal plant cultivation Water capture systems Technology and innovation hub Plot in a Box™ protected growing environment The garden serves as a place for learning, experimentation, collaboration, and community development.
The Grown That Way site acts as a practical learning environment where businesses, growers, community groups, veterans, and young people can gain hands-on experience and training. Working with our partners, we deliver programmes that build skills, confidence, and understanding while encouraging greater environmental awareness. We Support Small and micro businesses Community organisations Veterans through Battling On Young adults through TST Growers and horticultural professionals Researchers and students Local communities
At the heart of our innovation programme is Plot in a Box™, a self-contained hydroponic growing environment designed to demonstrate how technology can support sustainable food production. The project investigates how growers can achieve improved plant health, increased productivity, and greater consistency while reducing environmental impact. Benefits Lower carbon footprint Efficient resource use Improved growing conditions Greater crop reliability Demonstration of future growing systems
A key element of our work is our partnership with the University of Plymouth. Together, we are exploring how innovative technologies can contribute to lower-carbon growing systems and more sustainable food production. This partnership allows us to combine academic research with practical application, ensuring that knowledge is shared openly and benefits businesses, communities, and growers alike.
Battling On
Merryhue Farmhouse,
Callington,
PL17 7HW
01579 384798
© 2025 Battling On CIC.
We are committed to delivering the highest standards and aim to ensure that all our work reflects this.
Any concerns should be addressed in writing to our office address in Callington, by email to [email protected] or via telephone 01579 384798.
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