HMP Hewell piloting scheme to upskill prisoners in cutting-edge farming techniques - The Bromsgrove Standard

HMP Hewell piloting scheme to upskill prisoners in cutting-edge farming techniques

Bromsgrove Editorial 12th Aug, 2022   0

A NEW scheme is being piloted at HMP Hewell in Tardebigge to upskill prisoners in cutting-edge farming techniques in a bid to get them into work and reduce crime.

The prison has teamed up with farming technology company LettUsGrow for the trial.

Prisoners will grow leafy greens, salad crops and herbs in high-tech ‘vertical’ farms.

Vegetables are grown in compact towers using aeroponics using an air or mist environment rather than soil.




At the forefront of farming, this advanced technology produces more plants, more quickly and with 98 per cent less water than conventional methods.

The scheme will also train up prisoners in the jobs of the future, such as farm management software, plant science and food safety. This will help them find a job on release in new and emerging technologies and dramatically reduce their chances of re-offending.


The latest government’s strategy is aimed at ensuring prisoners use their time behind bars to get skills they need to find work once through the gate and back home.

Prisons Minister Stuart Andrew MP said: “This innovative scheme is just the tip of the iceberg in our drive to equip prisoners with the practical skills they need to get a job on release – ultimately cutting crime and keeping the public safe.

“Up there with education, family ties and addiction treatment, stable work holds the key to a life free from crime and safer communities for us all.”

HMP Hewell Governor Ralph Lubowski said LettUs Grow would give prisoners the opportunity, confidence and training to turn their lives around.

“Vertical farming is an innovative, emerging industry and this partnership highlights our commitment to ensuring prisoners are skilled up to find work on release,” he added.

The Government claims its latest figures show the number of former offenders in work six weeks after release has increased by nearly half, whereas proven reoffending has fallen to just over 25 per cent.

It added tackling repeat offending was anticipated to cost £18billion.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Bromsgrove Standard

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Bromsgrove Standard newspaper