Dr Paul Challinor is an independent horticultural consultant, agronomist and technical leader with over 40 years' experience in commercial horticulture, protected cropping and controlled environment agriculture. Through May Barn Consultancy, he advises businesses across the UK and internationally on crop production, horticultural technology, technical strategy and innovation.

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Holding a doctorate in horticulture from the University of Plymouth, Dr Challinor has built a career at the intersection of science and commercial crop production. His expertise spans protected edible crops, hydroponics, propagation, crop nutrition, integrated production systems and the application of emerging technologies to improve productivity, sustainability and crop quality.

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Throughout his career he has worked with growers, retailers, technology companies and research organisations, helping translate scientific knowledge into commercially successful production systems. He has held senior technical and agronomic roles across the UK horticultural industry, developing a reputation for combining practical growing expertise with strategic leadership.

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Dr Challinor is widely recognised as one of the UK's pioneers in controlled environment agriculture. As a co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of Jones Food Company, he helped develop one of Europe's first large-scale commercial vertical farming businesses, applying advanced hydroponic systems, LED lighting and environmental control to produce high-quality herbs and leafy crops year-round. His work has contributed to demonstrating the commercial viability of indoor vertical farming and has supported wider industry adoption of sustainable production technologies.

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Through May Barn Consultancy, Dr Challinor continues to support clients with technical due diligence, crop production systems, vertical farming, hydroponics, research and development, investment support and commercial strategy.

 

He has collaborated with universities and innovation programmes on projects investigating LED lighting, plant physiology and crop nutrition, helping bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.

Known for his pragmatic approach, deep technical knowledge and passion for horticultural innovation, Dr Challinor continues to work with businesses seeking to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of modern food production.