In a significant advancement for local tomato production, the UK-based trait development company Phytoform has introduced a revolutionary mini version of the Ailsa Craig tomato variety. This new plant is one-sixth the size of conventional tomato plants, yet astonishingly produces up to five times the amount of fruit. By employing gene editing techniques, Phytoform has accelerated the development of traits that might otherwise take years to achieve through traditional breeding methods. This innovation is particularly tailored to meet the needs of vertical farms, which have been increasingly seeking high-value crops to diversify their offerings beyond the typical low-margin leafy greens.
Phytoform’s founder and CEO, Dr. William Pelton, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this new tomato variety on vertical farming. “We hope our tomatoes are going to be a reset for vertical farming,” he stated. The compact nature of the new plant allows for three growing cycles per year, and growers can fit between 50 to 100 of these mini plants into the same space that a single conventional plant occupies—roughly one square meter. This efficiency translates to a remarkable increase in yield, with Phytoform reporting trials that achieved up to 300 kilograms of fruit from a single 300-gram plant. Pelton noted that the fruit size remains comparable to that of traditional tomatoes, despite the reduced plant stature, making this a game-changing development for producers.
The timing of this innovation could not be better. Vertical farms have often struggled with profitability, primarily focusing on lower-value crops. Phytoform’s tomato offers a pathway to transform business models, shifting from thin margins to more sustainable profits. Pelton emphasized the company’s commitment to producing tomatoes that meet premium market standards, aiming to provide flavorsome and colorful varieties that appeal to discerning consumers.
Phytoform’s strategy aligns with a broader trend in the agricultural sector, where vertical farming operators are increasingly seeking to diversify their crop rotations with high-value options. While the company has a keen focus on vertical farming, it is not limiting its efforts to this medium alone. Interest has also been expressed from greenhouse operators, although that segment remains in the early stages of development. Phytoform is also actively working on additional crops, including an outdoor tomato and a potato variety, expected to be released in the coming months.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, Phytoform is poised to capitalize on the growing acceptance of gene-edited foods. In the United States, such products are already available to consumers, and similar changes are anticipated in the UK. Recent announcements from UK Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner indicate that legislation regarding gene-edited crops is set to advance, potentially paving the way for commercialization in the near future. Pelton anticipates that by the time regulations are updated, likely in 2025, Phytoform will be ready to launch its innovative tomato into the market.
Currently, the majority of tomatoes consumed in the UK are imported, highlighting the potential impact of local production. Phytoform is already conducting trials with farms in the UK, including Harvest London and the Jones Food Company, and is exploring partnerships with farms in the US and Australia. The company has begun scaling production of its tomatoes, and Pelton is optimistic about meeting market demand once the regulatory framework allows for commercialization.
Phytoform’s introduction of a high-yield, gene-edited tomato could not only reshape the economics of vertical farming but also contribute to greater food security by enhancing local production capabilities. As the agricultural sector continues to innovate, the implications of Phytoform’s advancements could resonate far beyond the confines of vertical farms, potentially revolutionizing how we grow and consume one of the world’s most popular crops.