SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 1
The VEGETABLEVEGETABLE SEPTEMBER 2017 Farmer
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3 LION HOUSE, CHURCH STREET, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 1EN OPINION It is almost ten years since the HDC Tel: 01622 695656 Fax: 01622 663733 became a division of AHDB. Following the e-mail: [email protected] 2005 Radcliffe Review into the structure and efficiency of all of the Web address: www.hortnews.co.uk UK agricultural levy boards, the horticultural sector was unique in that the majority of growers backed the existing organisation and SUBSCRIPTION RATES Although every effort is made did not want to see any significant changes. TWELVE ISSUES to ensure the accuracy and With responsibility for over 300 crops, and a very strong focus on readability of material Inland UK £40 grower-led research and development, it is not surprising that Air Mail:Europe £50 published, the publishers and Middle East their agents can accept no growers felt that HDC could not be compared to the likes of the USA/Canada/Far East £60 responsibility for claims and dairy and pork levy bodies, which were seen as largely focused on Australia/New Zealand £70 opinions expressed by contributors, manufacturers or market development. Printed by Buxton Press Ltd ISSN 0960-863X advertisers. Despite the protests, HDC was brought into the newly formed The Vegetable Farmer is a member of the Independent Press Standards Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in 2008. For potato Organisation. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed growers, things were probably less clear cut. The British Potato to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please write to Council (as it was then) had a large remit across the whole supply the editor at the address above. If you would like more information about chain, including processors and packers, and as well as being IPSO or the Editors’ Code, visit: www.ipso.co.uk responsible for research, it also had a much larger marketing role. The fears of most growers about horticultural R&D being reduced CONTENTS through being subsumed into a larger organisation have been unfounded; something helped by the ring-fencing of levy monies within each sector of AHDB. However, as the integration of AHDB Public support farming...... 4 has continued apace (from bringing together back-room and Blackleg research...... 6 administrative functions, to combining strategy across all eight sectors), some growers remain unconvinced that ‘cross-sector Brassica Open Days...... 8 working’ can actually deliver for niche horticultural crops. However, the recent Postharvest Showcase held at Sutton Bridge Blight resistant potato...... 9 gave an indication of how involving researchers from across the full Cover Crops trial...... 11 crop spectrum, and sharing research resources and agendas, can bring fresh thinking and new technology to different crops. As Mash Direct...... 14 you’d expect, there was a strong potato theme to the event, but this didn’t stop researchers with experience of everything from top Postharvest Showcase...... 18 fruit to brassicas and sensor technology, taking part.
Land rental...... 20 This led to a number of interesting conversations, such as whether research into the internal quality of apples (and being able to Duncan Worth profile...... 23 predict it based on variety, orchard and growing season) could have a similar parallel in potatoes. Potato agronomy trials...... 24 As Adrian Cunnington of Sutton Bridge explained, AHDB is currently in the process of establishing the best way to capitalise on both the GM update...... 26 physical assets and knowledge base represented by the facility. Asparagus Conference...... 28 Sutton Bridge has seen significant investment recently and now researchers from around the country are looking at its potential to Classified...... 30 deliver world-class storage research on a whole range of crops; the perfect example of beneficial cross-sector working. Buyers Guide...... 31
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www.hortnews.co.uk THE VEGETABLE FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 4
•NEWS• 4 Elsoms expand senior leadership team Elsoms Seeds has announced company’s growth presents. characteristically generous very strong R&D team and it is expanding its senior To facilitate this change, manner. His experience and delivered a development leadership team. In the new Anthony Keeling steps down passion for the industry will projects pipeline that will be structure, Roger Keeling as Deputy Chairman of Elsoms continue to be invaluable to key to the company’s future retains the role of Elsoms Seeds Ltd but continues in his the Board and the company in growth. Seeds’ Chairman and Robin role as a Director of the the future.” Roger Keeling, Chairman of Wood becomes Deputy company and remains Deputy Andrew Davis expands his Elsoms Seeds, said: “The Chairman and Commercial Chairman of the holding role, becoming Finance and expansion of our senior team Director. Robin’s increased role company, Elsoms (Spalding) Logistics Director (he was puts Elsoms in a great position acknowledges his deep Ltd. previously Elsoms’ Finance to build on recent growth and understanding of crop Robin Wood said; “Anthony Director). He now takes on to continue delivering for our performance and of the wider has played a vital role in responsibility for warehouse customers and partners. Our industry and will enable him recent years, successfully activities in addition to his focus on providing growers to fully develop the transferring responsibility and existing role in finance, human and farmers with outstanding commercial opportunities the knowledge in his resources, health and safety, varieties, high quality service, and information technology. bespoke treatments and expert David Coop will be the new backup has proved to be a Research, Development and winning combination. Marketing Director, managing Our development projects, the extensive research and ongoing investment in all development team and aspects of the business, new retaining responsibility for partnerships within the Elsoms’ marketing activities. industry and a growing Sue Kennedy will continue to portfolio of products all point work closely with David as she to a really exciting future for now moves into an advisory Elsoms. Together, the new role for the company. During senior team is looking forward her time leading the R&D to making that future function, Sue Kennedy built a happen.” Positive perceptions of farming remain strong An overwhelming majority of the public are actively supporting the farming sector according to the 2017 results of the Farmer From left to right, Robin Wood, Anthony Keeling and Roger Keeling. Favourability survey released last month by the NFU. In the first of these annual surveys since the UK’s vote to leave Florette UK and Ireland announces the EU, the NFU has said the findings powerfully demonstrate the public’s strong recognition of British farming’s contribution to the acquisition of My Fresh – Wigan country. • 68% of people have a favourable or very favourable view of As part of its vision to be a major player within the UK fresh British farming produce category, Florette UK & Ireland (part of the French • 90% think farming is important to the UK economy Agrial group) has acquired the Wigan site of MyFresh Prepared • 89% think it is important to have a productive farming Produce Ltd – producers of a wide range of salad and vegetable industry products. The role farming plays in proving safe, traceable food through MyFresh, Wigan, which employs almost 300 people and was supply chains independently audited by assurance scheme like Red formerly owned by the William Jackson Food Group, will Tractor has also been recognised by the public. continue to operate from its current location in Lancashire, with • 64% trust British food more than the rest of the world further plans by Florette to develop the business and invest. • 66% often or always specifically look for British food when Doug Robertson, managing director of Florette UK & Ireland shopping commented: “The acquisition of MyFresh continues an exciting • 68% of the public feel that farmers should receive support to journey for Florette in the UK & Ireland. MyFresh is a successful both produce food and look after the environment in equal business that complements our existing operations and will help measure; us to grow in the convenience retail and food service markets – NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The results of this survey both of which are showing consistent levels of growth and will make for welcome news for the farming sector. It’s clear the allows us to meet consumers’ needs for healthy food options, public recognise the strategic importance of farming in feeding the whatever the channel”. country, looking after the countryside and contributing to the Doug added: “MyFresh shares similar business values to economy. Florette and we are confident this new acquisition will be a “Public support is vital to the British farming industry. It sends a great addition to the Florette portfolio. We would like to strong message to the MPs and decision-makers who have a huge welcome MyFresh to the Florette family and look forward to opportunity during Brexit negotiations to create a political growing together.” environment where farming can really thrive. This support will be The acquisition follows that of Axgro Foods Ltd by Florette in instrumental for the British farming sector in the coming months 2016, manufacturer of a range of beetroot products. and years ahead.”
THE VEGETABLE FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2017 www.hortnews.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 5
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•NEWS• 6 Charles Seddon retires Modern robotics on display UK-based vegetable seed breeding. He worked on a wide Agrimech will be exhibiting at show will be held at the NEC in specialist CN Seeds has range of crops and was the PPMA Show for the first Birmingham from the 26-28th announced major changes to its instrumental in bringing the time, as newly added members September 2017. team with the retirement of first F1 hybrid cauliflowers to of BARA the British Agrimech will be on stand business development manager Europe. He then spent a further Automations and Robot number A101, where they will Charles Seddon, and the 10 years managing Sakata UK’s Association and PPMA. The be displaying the Comau Racer recruitment of two new ornamental division before 3 Robot in a members of staff. taking up a position with CN confined cell A well-known figure in the Seeds. layout. It will be seed industry, Charles Seddon CN Seeds’ commercial fitted with a Soft has played a key role in the manager, Craig Thomas, said: Robotics Gripper development of CN Seeds since “Charlie is a well known person solution joining the company in 2004, in the seed industry having demonstrating how helping to bring many new dedicated his working life to fast yet gentle products to market in the herb the trade and he has seen some modern robotics and salad sector. great changes in the sector over can be. By adding With a degree in Horticulture the years. He will continue vision technology, from Bath University, he began working on projects with CN Robots can be his 38 year career in the seed Seeds and as chair of the British programmed to industry with Samuel Yates, an Herbs trade association.” follow the product Australian company specialising CN Seeds has also announced rather than a set in brassica and lettuce the arrival of two new members pattern. of staff. Natasha Lane “This is a big, yet joins the sales team well-founded step as trainee, from the into industry for University of Agrimech, as we Nottingham where continue to grow she studied in the field of Biochemistry. She will effective robotics, work initially in new that steer away product development, from conventional liaising closely with methods in a CN Seeds’ breeding Agrimech’s Comau Racer 3 Robot can be fitted with positive way,” says team. a Soft Robotics Gripper solution and programmed to Managing Director Roshni Badgami follow the product rather than a set pattern. Darren Smith. recently graduated in Plant Biology from Cambridge University Potato industry unites to fund and has been appointed as assistant blackleg research plant breeder. While A group of major potato business and public sector organisations working with CN including the Scottish Government and AHDB have sponsored a Seeds, she is also £242,000 research project aimed at reducing the impact of potato going to do a part- disease blackleg on the Scottish seed potato industry. time MSc in Plant AHDB and Scottish Government joint-funded a project during Genetics and Crop 2013-2016 which provided significant new information on Improvement at the blackleg and its origins. It also highlighted areas where further Charlie Seddon is retiring after 38 years in the University of East investigation is required for improved management of the seed industry. Anglia. problem. As a result, a second project will begin this September to identify the major routes of initial contamination of high-grade tubers and Dewulf launch new trailed establish best practice for blackleg management. Sue Cowgill, Senior Crop Protection Scientist at AHDB said: “We hope that by determining the impact of post-harvest practices such potato harvester as storage, grading and handling practices on the contamination Dewulf is launching a new 2-row trailed offset harvester that has of tubers we can set a platform for an industry-wide approach to been named Torro. The offset harvester is compact and light in tackling this disease. The research may also identify the potential order to combine harvesting capacity with minimum tractor for new and innovative control options as part of the blackleg performance. management tool kit.” Torro will be officially unveiled at Potato Europe 2017 in The project has been awarded to a consortium comprising James Emmeloord (NL) on 13th and 14th September. In the run-up to the Hutton Institute, SAC Commercial Ltd, Fera Science Ltd, Science show, Dewulf will be releasing additional details on the new and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), BioSS and Sutton machine via social media. A dedicated web page has also been Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR). launched providing footage of Torro in action on a test field: Financial and in kind support for is being provided by McCain http://innovation.dewulfgroup.com/en/torro. Potatoes Ltd, Greenvale AP, Cygnet Potato Breeders Ltd, Agrico UK A limited number of pre-series machines will be built this year Ltd, APS BioControl Ltd, HZPC, Caithness Potatoes Ltd, Branston and full production will begin in 2018. Ltd and Techneat Engineering.
THE VEGETABLE FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2017 www.hortnews.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 7
•NEWS• 7 Digging into Horticulture study visits The Soil Association has a The Soil Association, working Prince’s Countryside Fund. By a focus group survey will be new programme called as part of an industry offering study visits the Soil conducted before a group Digging into Horticulture, that initiative, wants to support Association is aiming to give dinner. On the second day, aims to encourage more new entrants by highlighting delegates a better there will be a morning young people to consider a the possibilities and understanding of the day-to- grower visit with lunch. Food, career in farming and to opportunities within large- day functioning of large-scale accommodation and travel support those who have scale horticulture. The goal is horticulture and allow them to costs during the visit will be already taken the first steps to connect new growers with get their hands dirty. covered. towards a future in growing. industry professionals and The next study visit will be The closing date for Demand for farm staff is discuss innovative and exciting held on Sept 29th and 30th in applications is Sept 8th, and anticipated to rise in the next approaches that are being Evesham and will include a successful candidates will be decade with 95,000 people increasingly adopted. morning grower visit with notified by Sept 15th. Further predicted to be employed by This project has been made lunch, followed by an details are available from; the agriculture sector by 2020. possible by the funding of the afternoon visit. In the evening, [email protected] Clause UK Brassica Open Days Clause UK will display a The trial will feature market- introductions that have been range of new and established leading varieties including bred to extend the range. varieties at their Brassica 2017 cauliflowers Chassiron F1, The Brassica 2017 event is Open Days at Kirton Holme Naruto F1, and winter-type held by courtesy of M.W. & near Boston on Wednesday Jeroboam F1. Also on the site C.E. Nundy of Windy Ridge 11th and Thursday 12th will be cabbage Guard F1, Vegetables Ltd and will be October. savoy Capriccio F1 and open between 9am and 5pm An extensive selection of the demonstration plots of broccoli on both days, with company’s brassica varieties and other brassicas. refreshments available. Clause will be on show along with Highlights include the new, representatives will be on site exhibits of horticultural early broccoli, Kimono F1 to welcome visitors and discuss machinery and products. (CLX3528) and other products.
UK Oppen Daysys
• Extensive range of Hazera and Vilmorin • Displays of planting anda harvesting machinery brassica products • Refreshments provided in exhibition marquee • New varieties of Brussels sprouts, • Located on the A52 ata Kirton Holme near cabbages and cauliflowers Boston, behind the PPoacher’s Country Hotel, PE20 1SQ. Site courtesy of MW & CE Nundy Open from 9am to 5pm both days.
Hazera in the UK: Hazera Seeds UK Ltd, J.N.R.C, Rothwell, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, UK. LN7 6DT www.hazera.uk.com +44 (0) 1472 371531 +44 (0) 1472 371547 [email protected]
A BRAND OF SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 8
•NEWS• 8 New liquid formulation of maleic hydrazide available
Arriving just in time for the formulation of maleic In succeeding crops they can as the pressure increases on application season, Itcan SL hydrazide registered for use in play host to PCN, as well as the standard industry 270 is a new, liquid onion and potato crops. being a primary source of treatment, CIPC, which is The maximum label rate for blight inoculum for nearby seeing a reduction in the use on potatoes is 11.1 l/ha potato crops.” maximum total dose to 36 which delivers 2,997gai/ha (the The effect maleic hydrazide g/tonne this season. But same as Fazor at 5kg/ha). For has on stopping cell division is whatever the reason for the onion crop, the maximum another reason growers could applying maleic hydrazide, recommended dose is 8.9 l/ha, benefit from an application, there are a number of things delivering 2,403 gai/ha. highlights Mr Sarup. “It’s been to bear in mind for a successful Independent potato a year of very dry conditions outcome, he points out. agronomist John Sarup, of and sporadic rainfall, which “The crops must be actively SPUD Agronomy, believes that means some varieties are at a growing to get translocation of the 2017 season is one where high risk of either secondary the maleic hydrazide down to the other benefits of maleic growths or chain tuberisation, the tubers, so don’t apply to hydrazide application must be causing quality problems when drought stressed crops or considered in addition to it comes to marketing,” he during the heat of the day. Get sprout suppression. explains. it on early enough – I “Volunteer potatoes are When it comes to storage, recommend application when becoming more and more of Mr Sarup believes maleic the smallest tuber you want to an issue and their control starts hydrazide’s role as a sprout keep going is just 25mm in John Sarup, of SPUD Agronomy. in the growing potato crop. suppressant may prove useful size,” he says. Hazera Seeds UK Brassica Open Days Hazera Seeds UK Ltd will be established event, growers will holding its annual Brassica Open be able to view a wide selection Days on Wednesday 11th and of the company’s brassica Thursday 12th October at Kirton products over an extensive site. Holme near Boston. At this well- Varieties on show from
Hazera’s own breeding, and cabbages and a range of that of sister company Vilmorin, interesting speciality cauliflowers THE OF BULB ONION will include the market standard and sprouting broccolis. cauliflowers Boris F1 and Seoul The show is held by courtesy & SHALLOT VARIETIES F1, along with cabbages, of MW & CE Nundy and is open broccoli, savoys and Brussels from 9am to 5pm on both days. BROWN SETTSS for 2018 RED SEED for 2018 sprouts from the catalogue. Hazera representatives will be Spitfire F1 Red Baron Developments from the present to provide information Alpha breeding programmes include a about the products and Garnet range of new kale varieties, refreshments will be available in Kaddis (n(neww)) Red Herald F1 some promising new savoy the on-site marquee. Vulcan 200 F1 excellent quality for long Griffon term storage (as demonstrated in NIAB Setton trials) Rumba RED SETTSSfS for 2018 Red Raddiiant F1 (n(new)w) Garnet Red Baron
- 01205 723414 John Consttaable 07831 430469 JiJim West 07932 505728 Autumn lettuce varieties Apollo MG101 and Green Batavia being planted by Jepco in East Suffolk. Jepco Group from Lincolnshire are major lettuce Email: infofo@@aabcenttrre.co.uk www.abcenttrre.co.uk growers on around 650 hectares across East Anglia.
THE VEGETABLE FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2017 www.hortnews.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:01 Page 9
•NEWS• PDM Produce set to open An extensive selection from the market-leading new packing site Clause UK range will be displayed A Shropshire salad farmer is the long term, the wider choice at the BRASSICA 2017 developing a state of the art salad of salad products the firm can OPEN DAYS at cold store and packing site, with offer will attract new customers. the support of a £14m loan from The building will also incorporate Kirton Holme, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. technology that will help the near Boston, PDM Produce, founded in business develop its 1991, farms and packs a range of environmental and energy PE20 1SQ. salad leaves for some of the UK’s management. largest grocers and supermarkets, The new site is set to open at Visitors will be able to view established, recently along with additional food service the end of this year, creating 50 and wholesaler customers. new jobs and bringing the total introduced and development varieties of During the winter months, the headcount to 625 during the firm works with farmers across peak summer months. and broccoli, as well as the continent to import salad Philip Maddocks, chief demonstrations of machinery varieties to supplement its own executive officer at PDM produce to meet the year-round Produce, said: “With more and and horticultural equipment. consumer demand. As consumers more people making healthy are becoming increasingly health decisions, we’ve seen huge The event is held courtesy of conscious, PDM Produce’s market growth in our now £60m has grown correspondingly. To business. Salad is a big part of MW & CE Nundy, and will be meet this demand, the the modern-day diet, and the management team turned to machines we’re installing in the 9am to 5pm on both days. Lloyds Bank to help support the new site, along with the Refreshments will be available. development of a new incredibly fertile Shropshire land, 50,000sq.ft site on their farm. will allow us to keep up with Representatives from Clause UK look An advanced salad cold store contemporary trends. will be installed alongside new “Lloyds Bank has a full equipment, which will increase understanding of the farming the efficiency of the packaging industry, and has provided us process. This will allow the firm with the financial support we to continue to diversify its salad need to take these steps to equip range, as the machines can us for further growth in the package multiple leaf types. In future.”
Chris Pennick (left) of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, with Philip Maddocks. Dutch company develops blight resistant potato Solynta, a small Dutch breeding company, has developed a new hybrid potato variety that is resistant to late blight (Phytophthora Infestans). They state firmly that this is not a GM variety and thus UUK will be suitable for many markets. Professor Richard Visser of Wagenigen University told the Financieele Dagblad newspaper that he expects Solynta will need a Openn DDays further four or five years before farmers will be able to grow the new variety. He said that research at Wagenigen University had shown that blight costs the 9,000 potato growers in the CLAUCLAUSE UK - P.O. Box 111, Tel: 01472 371490 Faax: 01472 371478 Netherlands around £138 million in relation to a total turnover of Market Rasen. LN7 6XY [email protected] £690 million. Clause UK is a trading division of Hazera Seeds UK Ltd A BRAND OF SEPTEMBER 2017.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 24/08/2017 16:01 Page 10
•NEWS• 10 Branded tractor to mark 75-year partnership Celebrations to mark the 75th back to the company’s Hunter established the business director at Clarke & Pulman, anniversary of vegetable foundation in 1942. back in 1942, has been crucial to adds; “We understand the time producer and distributor Headquartered in Preston, its development. constraints that Huntapac Huntapac, were marked with the Lancashire, Huntapac’s 600-acre Today the company uses some customers place on getting delivery of a specially branded brassica and salad growing 30 new Massey Ferguson tractors produce from field to shelves. new tractor from Massey operation supplies major UK every year, mainly using models We service and maintain the Ferguson, courtesy of Ormskirk- supermarkets, as well as from the MF 6700 and MF 7700 whole fleet, no matter where based dealer Clarke & Pulman. independent retailers, range from supplier Clarke & the tractor is in the country. All The MF 7726, the largest in a wholesalers and caterers. But key Pulman. The new branded MF of the staff at Clarke & Pulman new fleet of tractors for the to everything Huntapac does is 7726 will be used for heavy are very proud to work with family-owned business, also its fleet of tractors, and its workload jobs in Yorkshire. Huntapac and we look forward recognises a 75-year partnership strong partnership with Massey The tractor was delivered to to the future.” with Massey Ferguson dating Ferguson, ever since William Clarke & Pulman before being Huntapac’s latest fleet of 32 sent to Clitheroe-based Grafx to Massey Ferguson tractors apply the British branding and consists of six different models 75-year graphics on the bonnet ranging from 105hp to 235hp and rear mud flaps. machines. The tractors will be Will Hunter, operations spread around farms in the UK, manager, and alongside brother 10 in Shropshire, 11 in Henry, representing the fourth Lancashire and a further 11 in generation of the family-run Yorkshire. business, explains; “Ever since They all have added the business started we have specification such as front used Massey Ferguson primarily linkage, front PTO, GPS, air due to reliability. They have never brakes, Vario, job specific tyres let us down. Certainly, over the and suspension. They are also last 6-10 years they have been fitted with Thunderpole T-1000 the tractor of choice, particularly CB radios, improving Left to right: Jason Hunter (Huntapac), William Judge (Massey Ferguson), Will with the level of service we communication whilst working, Hunter and Warren Hunter (Huntapac), James Bond and Ged Clarke (Clarke & receive from Clarke & Pulman.” making it a more efficient and Pulman) with the specially branded new tractor from Massey Ferguson. Ged Clarke, managing safe working vehicle.
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•COVER CROPS• 11 FIELD LAB STUDIES SOIL HEALTH ACROSS THE ROTATION by Richard Crowhurst As growers of vegetable and salad crops continue to specialise, they often rely on rented land in order to maintain production while implementing suitable rotations. While such an approach is now commonplace and usually works well, it can raise questions about the economic benefits of improvement activities carried out in certain parts of the rotation.
or example, while treatments at different parts of techniques such as the same rotation can have, FFglucosinolate mustards and how they might interact and oil radishes are available for together. the control of potato and beet Salad producer JEPCO cyst nematode, growers who regularly rents land from its Delegates viewing the trials. may only have an interest in a neighbours Worth Farms and field for one year in six or eight, Loveden Estates, and all three discuss improving soil fertility in order to spot any long term may be unwilling to invest time companies have fields in close for the long term and the trends, and soils will be tested and effort in such techniques. proximity which share the deep group decided to focus on by NRM, not only for nutrient One way to quantify the reclaimed silt soils for which using cover crops.” analysis, but for organic matter longer term benefits of Holbeach Marsh is well known. In fact, the focus was on content and soil life. Although techniques such as cover crops As well as JEPCO’s salads, other overwinter cover crops which the project is only planned to and organic manures would be non-cereal crops in the could be used without taking a run for one year at the to conduct a trial across the rotations include potatoes, cash crop out of the existing moment, there may be scope to length of entire rotation cycle, vining peas and sugar beet. rotation. Record keeping extend it. but such trials are complex and Anja Vieweger of the Organic throughout the trial is essential “It’s a long term investigation, expensive, especially at a farm Research Centre is overseeing level. the project and she explained Another solution would be to that this project has been jointly compare different elements of funded by the GREATsoils and the same rotation at different Innovative Farmers initiative. “If times. This is exactly what a vegetable growers and potato new Field Lab study, conducted producers are renting land for as part of the GREATsoils just one season, why should garford project, aims to do. Working they improve the soil, for with neighbouring farming example by leaving cover Robocrop precision guided implements companies around Dawsmere crops?” she asked. “This led to and Gedney Drove End in South the question, ‘what if everyone Lincolnshire, the project aims to put something back?’ So the see what effect different three businesses sat down to
hoes
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Inrow weeder Anja Vieweger of the Organic Research Centre. t.01778 342642 [email protected]
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•COVER CROPS• 12
Second crop lettuce growing on the JEPCO trial site. Simon Day, Farm Manager of Worth Farms.
so you need to keep a set of said JEPCO’s Nick Shepherd. few blockages, but we have through the soil, a situation data to see what the effects “Slugs are a huge problem for noticed several benefits made worse by the use of are,” explained Anja. “The us as we are primarily growing although we can’t put costs on fleece covers. As part of the results and their interpretation processing lettuce.” them,” he added. trial, some of the ryegrass was can be quite tricky and you Consequently the grass crop The company believes that it inversion ploughed, but Nick might not see any results in the was slug trapped and twice has used less diesel, particularly says that this didn’t work as first year, but this is a long term applied with slug pellets to with its triple bed tiller, saving well: “We found the bed tiller investment.” control the crop. The grass was up to 10 litres an hour. Another was bringing it back up,” he The first field visited is now first mowed in early March, benefit of having improved said. growing a second crop of again in mid-March and then organic matter in the soil is in The company believes that it lettuce on one of JEPCO’s own finally on the 3rd of April. The terms of rainfall infiltration. has seen a yield benefit. “We farms, following the first crop seed cost £60/ha with another “About three weeks ago we had cut 600 heads of Iceberg which was planted in mid-April £38/ha for slug pellets, while 75 mm of rain in just over 24 lettuce crop that had no cover and harvested in early June. establishment, mowing and hours, and we noticed the crop and 600 heads from the “We sowed with a King’s Italian incorporation costs were water disappeared off the beds cover crop area. We gained Ryegrass mix in September last £220/ha. “The total cost of a lot quicker where we’d had a 2.962 tonnes per hectare, year following a cereal crop. £327 per hectare is quite a cover crop,” Nick explained. which is a 7.9% yield increase, After combining we lightly significant investment in a However, as the company and we had the same increase disced the soil to allow the crop,” Nick pointed out. chose not to apply glyphosate in head weight,” says Nick. This birds to get some of the slugs Due to the tight row spacing to the ryegrass in order to get provided an additional return, and the slug eggs, then drilled used by the salad planting the nutritional benefit of the after costs were deducted, of straight into that and ring- machinery, incorporating the green crop breaking down in £440 per hectare. rolled. The crop emerged very grass was challenging. “We had the soil, it did have a problem “We are gaining, however, well and we had a pretty good quite a lot of problems with the with volunteer ryegrass in the there are things we can’t sward of grass by the time we organic matter and the roots in first lettuce crop as bits of turf measure like infiltration. I wanted to come and plant,” the soil which caused quite a below the surface came believe without a doubt that we are getting nitrogen back, but I Trial Treatment Seedbed N base N top dressing Total Cost Notes am nervous as a grower of a dressing short term crop of when that Poultry manure, None 70 kg/ha £213/ha Manure was free, comes back to us. At this stage 7t/ha in but haulage was we haven’t had the courage to September £105/ha. reduce our nitrogen rates. The Cultivation was second crop data will be £93/ha interesting in mid to late Green waste 80 kg/ha 40 kg/ha £269/ha Compost was September,” he concluded. compost, 25 t/ha free, but haulage As next door neighbours, in September was £125/ha. Worth Farms has regularly Cultivation was rented land for salad £93/ha production to JEPCO for the last Oil radis (var. 80 kg/ha 40 kg/ha £179/ha Seed cost fifteen years, but it is well Akiro), planted £54/ha. known as a potato grower and September Cultivation was this is one of the key focuses Ploughed in higher than for for the company. As farm 6 January compost and manager Simon Day explained manure in a field of Chopin which is Control – 80 kg/ha 40 kg/ha £51/ha – Farm’s being grown for Sale through Standard standard cost M&S. “We’ve been growing ploughing of biofumigants for about eight chopped wheat years now and we look to grow stubble about 80 ha of them a year,”
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•COVER CROPS• 13 he said, adding that this field flailing and ploughing to get had grown vining peas last year the best effect.” and that as the details of this Comments from the staff who trial were quite late to be ploughed the land subsequently worked out, it was actually the suggest there is typically a last crop of biofumigant saving in fuel use, partly due to mustard to be drilled on the the large number of white farm. fibrous roots helping to break As well as looking at the crop up the soil, but the real benefits with and without a cover crop, will not be known until after PCN counts will also be carried harvest when crop quality and out after harvest, but are yields are compared alongside typically 8-15 eggs per gram for nematode numbers. this particular field. The Just around the corner at mustard crop, which is a range Wiles Farm, Loveden Estates of types supplied by Barworth were looking at the effects of Agriculture and designed for different composts, manures Anthony Campling of Loveden Estates. the control of PCN was and cover crops on a field of established relatively late on 10 sugar beet which was following standard British Sugar found there wasn’t a lot of September. a crop of cereals grown for recommendation of 120 kg/ha available nitrogen in the “The seed costs were about seed for Spalding-based Elsoms. for silt soils. compost at all, so we put on a £75/ha and it was established The three treatments, each on a Poultry manure came from a full base dressing of fertiliser.” with a Sumo Trio; we are trying block of approximately 7 ha, nearby producer while the At the time of the tour, there to reduce the cultivations that together with a control, were as compost, which is produced to were few visible differences in we do for all crops,” continued follows: PAS 100 specifications, was the canopy of the crop. As with Simon. “Because it was quite “We incorporated and supplied by Material Change at the other trials, after harvest late, it wasn’t ready for ploughed in the oil radish all in Crowland. The company’s yields and quality will be ploughing in until the end of one operation like you do with website suggests that each compared and the soil will be November, when we chopped it PCN mustard; basically a topper tonne of compost will provide tested, but all three of the up and incorporated it. Because on the front of the tractor and around 220 kg of ‘long lasting farms involved in the trial it was getting quite wet we just a plough on the back,” organic matter.’ believe they are already seeing flailed it and then ploughed it explained farm manager “The actual compost was free, benefits from improved soil straight in. Normally we would Anthony Campling. Nitrogen but it costs a lot to deliver it,” quality, such as ease of working mix it with a drag between applications were based on the commented Anthony. “We the soil and reduced fuel costs.
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•FARM VISIT• 14 MASH DIRECT – GROWING BY KEEPING IT SIMPLE How a Northern Irish family vegetable growing business became a force to be reckoned with. Emily Scaife charts the stratospheric rise of Mash Direct.
family business has proven Champ that was both convenient that when it comes to big and healthy,” says Jack Hamilton, AAideas, keeping it simple is New Markets and Marketing often the key to success. With Director for Mash Direct. Champ vegetable consumption declining is a Northern Ireland staple; year-on-year, fifth-generation mashed potatoes mixed with farmers, Martin and Tracy spring onions and then softened Hamilton, realised they would in hot milk. In just over 13 years, Mash Direct’s farmed area has expanded from 70 to 1,400 acres in order to cope with demand. need to adapt and add value to “Since then, the business has their produce in order to thrive continued to boom year on year first steam-cooker from scratch. “With pasta and rice becoming and secure their future. and the farm truly is a family “Mash Direct vegetables are quick and easy to prepare During a period of poor prices affair with Martin, Tracy, myself gently steam-cooked to maintain decades ago, it has taken time for in 2004 the pair were forced to and my brother Lance all helping the taste and texture of home- potatoes and vegetables to catch consider how they could keep Mash Direct on its journey to cooked food,” Jack explained. up as consumers spend less time their family farm in Comber, become a national, household “Unlike many similar companies, cooking every year,” Jack said. Northern Ireland, afloat. The name,” says Jack. Mash Direct does not use pumps, “We live in a world where families answer came (as many great which ensures the vegetables’ cell often have multiple wage earners, answers do) after indulging in an From humble walls are not broken down so leaving less time for food evening tipple. beginnings that the nutritional benefits preparation. ‘Five a day’ has “One night, after discussing the Martin and Tracy began by naturally inherent in every driven a move towards healthier situation with a close friend over creating products in their kitchen vegetable used are retained.” prepared options and this has a glass of Irish whiskey, my father using old family recipes. In order Using older heritage vegetable developed a niche for healthy came up with the idea of to keep start-up costs to a varieties grown for taste rather convenience food. My parents producing a traditional Ulster minimum, Mash Direct built their than appearance, the team began spotted this opportunity early, selling products at St George’s spurred on by the need to Market in Belfast, followed by a diversify the farm.” few local independent stores. By listening to their consumers Then, as popularity grew, the and picking up on emerging family decided to upscale trends early, Mash Direct has significantly and build a factory in been able to tap into new order to meet demand. markets as they take off. “With more people now following a Secrets to success free-from diet out of choice and Martin and Tracy realised right not due to an allergy or from the start that consumers intolerance, it is important for us had begun to favour convenience to keep ahead of consumer and speed. Therefore creating demands and provide gluten-free products that took the time and alternatives,” Jack said. “We hassle out of preparing created our crispy vegetable The Hamilton family: Martin, Tracy, Jack and Lance. vegetables was key. bakes based on the feedback that
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•FARM VISIT• 16 film lid, whilst having a cardboard half sleeve so that the customers still received the necessary information on the packaging.This made us stand out from the rest of the products on the shelves and many companies have since followed our lead.” By making heritage flavours convenient (as well as GM-free and gluten-free), Mash Direct has grown from supplying two independent stores in County Down in 2004 to selling one dish A blast from the past: Martin at the start of his potato career! Tracy Hamilton has helped Mash every second in 2017. In just over Direct to become a household name. 13 years the farm has expanded Business Awards. against climate change. “We from 70 to 1,400 acres in order rotate the crops that we grow we received from our customers.” to cope with demand and Mash Waste not, want not on particular sections of the The company’s field-fresh range Direct is well on its way to Not content with purely farm,” Jack said. “By strategically is free from artificial flavourings, becoming a national household making a profit, Mash Direct is rotating crops we minimise the colourings and preservatives, name, with a repertoire of more keen to work in a sustainable strain of the soil enabling it to therefore the flavours come from than 40 different dishes, ranging and environmentally friendly replenish its nutrients. It also the six generation heritage of the from traditional accompaniments manner too. “As our veggies prevents the accumulation of soil, not from additives. such as Mashed Potato to don’t have to hit the high visual particular weeds and pests.” “We believe that the best way complete ready meals. standards requested by to market our vegetables is to get “One of the reasons Mash supermarkets, this means that The future them into people’s mouths,” Jack Direct has been successful is our we have been able to Never a company to rest on its said. “That is why in 2016 alone vertically integrated supply significantly reduce our wastage laurels, Mash Direct has big we handed out over 110,000 free chain,” Jack said. “By growing, by being able to use ‘ugly’ veg in hopes for the future. “We are samples to customers at food washing, preparing and all of our products,” Jack said. determined to become a shows. By doing these shows, we packaging our full product range Mash Direct also supports household brand name get to talk to our thousands of as well as operating ten lorries FareShare, a charity that collects throughout the UK within the customers and get their and four vans which, in many surplus food and redistributes it next five years and increase invaluable feedback and their cases, take the products straight around the country to help those exports to the mainland,” Jack insights then influence our new to the customer. This system in need. “We have been actively said. product development to help us means that we can keep our costs involved with them for over five “We are looking to continue keep on top of new food trends.” low for our food service, years now, donating over 34 with our video marketing Transparency is now a key manufacture and retail tonnes of vegetables that would strategy which we implemented concern for consumers and Mash customers.” have otherwise ended up in in 2016, using footage of the Direct reacted accordingly. “As we To date the Mash Direct range landfill sites,” Jack added. “So farm, taken from our new drone, grew in popularity we knew that has won 19 Great Taste Awards, far, we have donated enough to show the journey of our we would have to fully brand our more than any other ready meal veg to make 170,000 meals for vegetables, straight from our products,” Jack said. “We company in the UK and Ireland. vulnerable people.” fields to their forks. discovered that ready meals were The farm was also named the Environmental management “Our videos have had over all completely covered in UK’s Overall Food Manufacturing has been implemented to adopt 7,500,000 views in the past 12 packaging. At Mash Direct, we Company of the Year in 2016, the best farming practices and months alone. This shows that didn’t want to hide away our beating off stiff competition from help restore farmland and provenance plays a big part in product behind a big cardboard global brands such as Weetabix, biodiversity, improve the quality how consumers, especially box so we created an innovative Kelloggs and Coca-Cola, and is of water, air and soil, enhance millennials, think about their packaging design where the shortlisted for a range of awards the landscape and help mitigate food.” product is visible through a clear this year including the Rural What makes Mash Direct unique? Every business needs its own unique selling points. These are Mash Direct’s points of difference: • The vegetables are grown, steam cooked and packaged on the farm using no artificial flavourings, preservatives or colourings. • The farm’s climate is perfect for vegetable production; top quality soil, an abundance of rain (thereby negating the need for irrigation) and the moderating effects of the Gulf stream. •Rubber grading screens • They use gentle steam-cooking and mashing processes to retain •Rubber web covers taste, texture and nutritional benefits. •Sample riddles • Most of the vegetables are grown in fields surrounding the •Perforated washer belts factory and can be delivered within minutes of being harvested, ensuring maximum flavour and goodness. Tel: +44 (0)28 91 275913 • The vegetable accompaniment dishes are free from any artificial flavourings, preservatives or colourings and are gluten-free. Fax: +44 (0)28 91 275563 • They pioneered the half-sleeve packaging to enable shoppers to Web: www.agri-web.co.uk see the products and help inspire confidence in their E-mail: [email protected] purchasing decision.
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•POTATO STORAGE DAY• 18 AHDB GIVES GLIMPSE OF CROSS- SECTOR WORKING Despite the initial date being moved due to the General Election, there was a strong turnout of growers, advisors and researchers to AHDB’s first Postharvest Showcase, held at Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research in Lincolnshire in late July. Richard Crowhurst reports.
drian Cunnington, Head experimental facilities, such as of Sutton Bridge, the mobile laboratories and new AAexplained that one of the storage chambers which are aims of the day was to update part of the CHAP (Crop Health & stakeholders on the latest Protection) Agri-Tech storage developments as part of Partnership. a more holistic approach. “The Another facility on display was position with CIPC is changing the one-third scale model store, The one-third scale trial store. almost by the day; then we complete with miniature fridge, want to get better performance overhead throw fans, insulation added Adrian. “We are talking AHDB showcased how it sees out of stores and also get and a range of boxes and to our colleagues in the various sectors that it people to focus on the cost of containers. This is being used to horticulture, particularly about represents working more closely storage,” he said. evaluate a range of possible the potential for work on the together. In a keynote speech, “We have put together a scenarios to improve airflow storage of field vegetables, and AHDB CEO Jane King said, “This programme that covers a range distribution in stores and feed we are increasing links with is a key time for Sutton Bridge, of topics, together with displays the resulting data into a new other research centres through a key time for the AHDB and a to showcase different projects.” computer simulation model projects like the AHDB Storage defining moment for the potato As well as displays showcasing which is being developed. Fellowship. The new AHDB industry as we prepare for particular research, the day “We are undertaking a thematic research structure Brexit. provided an opportunity to see strategic review of Sutton Bridge allows us to talk to more people “We know these are uncertain some of the latest research and and its role within AHDB,” in other sectors.” times that will require us to The CHAP Mobile Laboratory embrace change and make the which was on display is one of most of the challenges and four currently based at opportunities that lie ahead. To Newcastle University. They are do that, we will need to be fleet designed to enable rapid of foot at sharing best practice, diagnostics or long-term improving our communication research projects to be carried and collaboration with each out in the field. “They are cheap other, using existing resources to hire, especially with the wisely, speeding up innovation equipment which can be and increasing our confidence supplied, and so are ideal for with new technologies. Specialists in Fruit & Vegetable Cooling long term on-site analysis or “That’s exactly why we’ve where the timing of analysis is brought together all elements of • Design, Supply & Installation critical to the work,” explained the crop storage supply chain Professor Neil Boonham. today. About 4 million tonnes of • Energy Efficient Refrigeration Systems Commercial companies also Great Britain’s 5.5 million tonne used the day to • Ambient Cooling Systems showcase new • Controlled Atmosphere Storage products, such as the ActivStor™ ‘active • CIPC Air Distribution Schemes recirculation’ fan system which has been developed by Pleased to have designed Crop Technologies. It and installed the cooling can be retro-fitted to systems for the 20 new any existing potato store and overcomes research coldstores at AHDB some of the issues of Potatoes, Sutton Bridge other supplementary Crop Storage Research. ventilation systems as it can be operated a slow fan speeds to Tel: 01945 870204 aid CIPC treatment, or at full speed to Email: [email protected] boost crop drying www.potatostorage.co.uk and ventilation. Jane King, CEO of AHDB.
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•POTATO STORAGE DAY• 19 coordinated R&D and conducted in the new model Knowledge Exchange (KE); to store at Sutton Bridge which help the industry understand looked at the effect of different and deliver what consumers will techniques to improve the trust and buy; and to deliver airflow in box stores fitted with thought leadership and horizon overhead throw chiller units. scanning. These include the use of a In particular she paid thanks plenum, side curtains, and even to the work lead by Sutton a lid, with airflow being Bridge on CIPC Stewardship and improved from 31 per cent with pointed to the recent no modifications to 98 per cent investment by CHAP (Crop in the best case scenario. Health & Protection) which As chair of the Potato allows the centre to “make a Processors’ Association Technical different research offer to plant Committee, Jeff Beever pointed breeders and seed houses as out that, “a lot of the well as continuing research into challenges we face are industry- new and novel ways of wide, although the processing One of the new CHAP research stores at Sutton Bridge. suppressing sprouting.” sector has specific issues such as fry colour.” 63 per cent of UK crop is stored. As you know, it industry in a rapidly changing Seminars potato consumption is now in can be stored between one and world. We’re ambitious for The day also featured a processed form, and the sector ten months and for most farms agriculture and horticulture and number of seminars covering is increasingly important to this means the crop spends believe we can play a key part in storage research, cost analysis growers. Sprout suppression in longer in store than it does in building a world class industry and marketing. Adrian stores kept at warmer the ground. So it should be no that is inspired by and Cunnington provided an temperatures is therefore surprise that storage is a major competing with the best.” overview of recent critical. element of the new AHDB She explained that the four developments in storage “With temperatures of eight potato strategy. priorities for AHDB are: To technology, backed with degrees Celsius typical for “Our potato strategy inspire farmers and growers to examples of different store types French fry potatoes, and a little underpins a fresh purpose, be more competitive and which have recently been warmer for crisping crops, we vision and corporate priorities resilient; to accelerate constructed by potato growers are creating ideal conditions for for the AHDB. We aim to inspire innovation and productivity around the country. sprouting,” he pointed put. success for growers and the growth through better He also described trials Sprouts themselves can be a
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•POTATO STORAGE DAY• •LAND RENTAL• 20 THE LIE OF THE LAND
Should you rent or should you buy? Adrian Tatum takes a look at what to consider when taking on more land.
armland has always been to limit soil-borne diseases and a secure investment. other similar factors as they FFPrices over the last move production around,” he decade have risen steadily. Two adds. years ago, some specialist Mr Ward says the fact there agricultural land was worth are less smallholdings in the £12,500 an acre with the industry now due to The electronic nose sensor developed by James Covington. average price £8,000 an acre; consolidation is also a factor a steep rise compared to the and most growers are also contaminant, while the loss of of Greenwich and Dr James early 1990’s when prices were specialising in crops and turgor can make tuber Covington at the University of nearer £1,000 an acre. growing to tighter schedules. processing more difficult and Warwick. They both highlighted There can’t have been any “Modern horticulture and the can increase the risk of how trials work on crops such more safer investments around direction the industry is compression damage in bulk as broccoli and apples could during the last decade - even moving will mean the trend for stores.” As well as stressing the open up new research through the financial crisis - renting will continue.” need for growers to follow the techniques across different can there? Andrew Burgess, Agriculture very latest advice from the CIPC crops, including potatoes. But at the same time, Director of Produce World, Stewardship Group and to In particular, work by Richard modern farming practices have which owns various businesses comply with any new label to predict the respiration rate meant farmers need to have and has growers located from requirements for the coming of different varieties of apple flexibility in the land that they Norfolk up to Scotland, agrees season, he also discussed other from different orchards could hold. Many vegetable and that buying land for vegetable factors on sprouting. have an application in potato businesses in particular production just isn’t viable. “One challenge is the type of understanding the respiration need land on more than one “Land is a hugely complex area store that is already out there: rate of potatoes. “Moisture site and ideally in different which is also interfered with by are they all fit for purpose?” he control in the store is very parts of the country, and politics and taxation which asked. “Sometimes storage important and has implications therefore renting has become have driven up the values investment is at the bottom of for many crops,” he pointed a popular option. unrelated to farm incomes. the list [for business out. “People are interested in land Brexit and the uncertainty that expenditure] which is Developments in gas sensor for two reasons; either as an surrounds it and the future of unfortunate.” He also stressed technology have lead to the investment or to focus on subsidy and similar payments that any new methods of development of electronic production. Modern means that you would have to sprout control or alternative noses, which can be more horticultural and farming be very brave right now to be treatments to CIPC must not effective at the early detection methods, which taint products or impact on fry of rots and diseases than include large colour or sugars. human noses or other rotations and On CIPC specifically, Adrian diagnostic techniques. Dr the increasing Briddon of Sutton Bridge Colgan has developed a need to have commented; “We are doing prototype sensor which will be land in different much more with much less, but trialled in potato seed exports locations, lend things will become more to Egypt this winter. In trials it themselves to difficult. There will be more has detected soft rot in potato growers renting [label] changes for CICP again tubers just days after more land rather this year and we need people inoculation, well before any than buying it,” to comply with these changes. visible symptoms become says Jack Ward, It only takes one MRL apparent. Chief Executive exceedance and we will lose When AHDB first announced of the British CIPC.” moves towards greater cross- Growers Going forward it may be that sector working there were Association. potato storage can learn from many who were sceptical, “I think work conducted on other types particularly growers who businesses will Andrew Burgess, Agriculture Director of Produce World. of fresh produce. After all worried that their highly continue to rent much of the initial trial work on specialised crop sectors would land in different locations buying land,” he says. using ethylene to control be swept away in favour of across the country to help Currently, under the sprouting was conducted in large volume commodity crops. mitigate risk, as well as to Common Agricultural Policy facilities used to store apple Given the cross sector working extend the season of the crops (CAP), all active farmers receive and pear crops. This topic was on display at Sutton Bridge, they grow and use the a direct Pillar 1 payment in explored further by both such an approach should difference in climatic return for cross compliance Richard Colgan of the Produce benefit not only growers, but conditions to their advantage. requirements for their business Quality Centre at the Natural the wider horticultural and They will also have a variety of to farm within the law and Resources Institute, University agricultural industries. different soil types and be able deliver good agricultural
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•LAND RENTAL• 21 practices and this acta as the flexibility in the land. As “If you’re renting then the assurances by Crown Estates. income support for growers become more same questions apply but Mr and Mrs Wakley took on landowners and managers. specialised, focusing on equally as important is the tenancy after being told There is no upper threshold, so growing few crops, renting working out whether a long- the farm’s milking parlour and the larger the land area, the will be the only way forward,” term relationship is possible the slurry/dirty water storage larger the payment. Pillar 2 he adds. “It is however critical with that landowner to make and disposal were up-to-date. payments are more limited and to work with the right rotations and similar activities They were also told the farm require a much greater landowners on a long-term work for you,” she adds. Other had an effective freshwater commitment to enhancing the basis. What happens to the things to consider are crop supply and distribution system. environment and sustainability land in the years between our years, and soil quality. Also But none of these statements of the land. But after Brexit, crops has a big impact on our important, especially if you are turned out to be accurate. this will almost certainly productivity and quality,” he planning to rent land, is change. says. tenants’ rights, which can be The Burgess family sold their That is also the message complex. home farm in 2003 because of from Eleanor Griggs the NFU’s Ms Griggs highlights a recent the need to focus on vegetable Land Management Adviser. court case, The Crown Estate production and spend less She says doing your research Commissioners v Wakley and time ‘doing all the other and asking as many questions Wakley, to help illustrate the things you need to do to be of the land agent and at the importance of landlords an effective land owner’, says time of viewing the farm is providing accurate responses Andrew Burgess. This meant crucial. “If you are buying or to prospective tenants during the business was clearly split renting land you need to be viewings and agreeing any between the land it still owned sure you are getting what is terms carefully. In this case, a for general farming practices advertised. Sometimes, the dairy farming couple were and the land it rented for obvious questions get missed. awarded £1.75m for vegetable production. If you are looking for land misrepresentations and The company now seasonally suitable for vegetable multiple tenancy breaches by rents between 4,000 and production then considering their landlord, the Crown 5,000 acres of land for field carefully the water resources Estate. The farmers moved scale vegetable production available, is crucial as is the their business and family from every year. “Renting is the only type and condition of drainage Aberdeen to Somerset to take way we can grow the volumes in the fields and access around on a Crown Estate tenancy but we need and get the the farm for transport etc,” found the farm had several Eleanor Griggs the NFU’s Land economies of scale as well as she says. problems, contrary to Management Adviser.
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•LAND RENTAL• 22 Cattle also died on the farm in recent years. “If they are decreased across the UK for Yields on investment land after silage was found to have buying in Lincolnshire it tends the first time since 2014. have also continued to been contaminated with wire. to be for their own use,” he Farmland prices dropped to decrease, moving down to Charlie Bryant, a Partner with says. £10,233 per acre on average 1.5% from 1.6% previously. estate and land agents Brown But the Royal Institution of in the second half of 2016 - a According to the latest & Co, who sells land suitable Chartered Surveyors (RICS) decline of 7% compared to the feedback, average arable land for vegetable production in the warns that land prices are same time the previous year. rents fell by 5% in the second Lincolnshire area, describes the likely to fall during Brexit Jeremy Blackburn, Head of half of last year, which market for this type of land as negotiations and the Policy at RICS says: “Our survey translates into an annual ‘fairly buoyant’. organisation is calling for more shows that demand is decline of 11%. Average He says that better quality support for rural economies in continuing to slow for land, pasture land rents fell by land is still being sold for the UK. with very localised markets 2.6%, leaving them down by upwards of £10,000 an acre. In its assessment of land playing a key role; at the same 7.9% on a year over year basis. “There are always fluctuations values for the second half of time, lower commodity prices The RICS says the in land value due to a number last year, as part of the RICS and higher costs are biting. government needs to of factors including demand and Royal Agricultural Brexit adds an overarching guarantee funding of targeted but there is still a huge interest University (RAU) Land Market sense of uncertainty. direct financial support in the best silt land in the Survey, it has been revealed The government’s guarantee beyond 2020 as well as region and that is set to that demand for farmland in of payments till 2020 gives provide an availability continue,” he says. general in the UK has further land based businesses guarantee of labour to help “My view is that if you are decreased following a decline certainty, but also gives the with price decreases and buying land for a long-term in the previous 18 months. sector the chance to work with feelings of uncertainty in the investment whether as an It says that respondents to Ministers to craft this new farming sector as a whole. It investment or to rent out, then the survey are highlighting system. The government needs also says there needs to be it is worth waiting for the best uncertainty over Brexit and to modernise the systems of more investment for applied quality land in the right insecurities over future land classification/capability for agricultural and horticultural location, if you can.” He says subsidies as well as low agriculture and review research and agri-tech most of the buyers of field commodity prices as the key permitted development rights development as well as future scale vegetable land in factors ‘hindering the market’. to enable more conservation- national policies that Lincolnshire are farmer-buyers As well as the decline in related activities reflecting the recognise the highly diverse and there has been less demand, the amount of land ever increasing demands on nature of rural land-based interest in land from investors available for sale has also UK land for a myriad of uses.” businesses.
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•PROFILE• 23 COMBINING RUNNING AH WORTH WITH FLOOD MANAGEMENT ROLE As Chief executive officer, Duncan Worth is responsible for the day to day management of AH Worth, owner of QV Foods and Worth Farms. With a combined annual turnover of £140 million, the businesses employ approximately 500 people. He is also chairman of South Holland internal drainage board (IDB), making him responsible for over 400 miles of drainage channels across the Lincolnshire Fens.
e asked Mr Worth 2012. “We spend about why he combines the £40,000 a year on drainage WWtwo roles, and how rates, so I understand why South Holland IDB is making a drainage of the land is tangible difference to the important. business, agricultural and “The Romans may have been domestic landscape across the first to try to drain parts of south Lincolnshire. the fens, but in the late middle Duncan Worth. South Holland IDB is part of ages, efforts began in earnest the Water Management to separate water from land. 1955, and after some 60 years 30,000 tonnes of organic Alliance, responsible for the Since those days, IDBs have in such an aggressive saline material per year, delivers drainage of 148.43 square played an important role in environment, was in need of power supply resilience and miles of low-lying land across managing water levels to repair in places. Work began in cost savings, and produces south Lincolnshire. Some 92 reduce the risk from flooding.” July 2014 and was completed bio-fertiliser to reduce AH percent of this area is Mr Worth feels this is why in December 2014 at an overall Worth’s carbon footprint. dedicated to agriculture, with more people, especially farmers cost of £655,000. Of this In addition to his role as the remaining 8 percent used and landowners, should £230,000 was financed directly chairman of the IDB, Mr Worth for housing and industry. The engage and get involved with by South Holland IDB, and the is a director of vegetable board is responsible for their IDB, in work such as remaining costs secured supplier Manor Fresh and approximately 441 miles (710 advising on planning through grant in aid from Defra farmer co-operative Lingrain km) of drainage channels, applications, and facilitating and local levy contributions. Storage, and also sits on ADA’s maintains 17 pumping stations, the drainage of building Other recent work included management board. as well as 30 sluices and other developments to help reduce refurbishment of Donningtons “Careful management of my structures to control water future flood risk. pumping station, with a own land has led to marsh levels within its catchment “We partner with farmers, catchment of some 700 harriers successfully nesting on area. The board employs 12 landowners, other drainage hectares in the South the farm for the past decade, people. boards, regional flood and Lincolnshire Fens. A scheme whilst barn owl numbers have Mr Worth, 52, a fourth- coastal committees, local was drawn up to refurbish the continued to increase”, he generation farmer living in authorities and national pumping station and thereby says. “Through the Holbeach Hurn in the South agencies, as well as maintain good drainage and generations, we’ve managed Holland district of southern contractors, consultants and reduce flood risk in the the land for the next Lincolnshire, is one of the suppliers. And importantly, catchment. The scheme also generation in a more youngest board members of offer guidance, advice and included eel mitigation sustainable and any IDB in the country. His support to members of the measures, meaning new environmentally enhanced family has farmed on Holbeach public about the essential work pumps had to be ‘fish-friendly’ condition, and we’re Marsh for more than 100 years. of IDBs,” says Mr Worth. to allow the passage of committed to continuing this Situated on the alluvial silts of Recent projects have included juvenile eels upstream. tradition, through effective south Lincolnshire, the 2,300- the refurbishment of the outfall After working for Tesco and land management, of which a hectare farm, has a sustainable sluice on the Holbeach river. Compass Services as a buyer of major part is drainage. eight-year rotation growing This catchment extends to fresh foods, Mr Worth “Drainage boards provide a peas, potatoes, wheat, sugar some 4,966 hectares including returned to the family business vital public service in the beet, brassicas, specialist the villages of Saracens Head, in 1995, working in operations management of drainage and salads, energy maize, hybrid rye Holbeach Clough, Holbeach and general management water levels, and are governed and a small area devoted to Bank and parts of Whaplode before becoming chairman of by directly elected as well as mustard. and Holbeach. There are QV Foods and chief executive appointed members, drawn “It’s no surprise, with my 101km of IDB maintained of AH Worth in 2015. The from farmers, landowners, farmland located in the Fens, watercourse within the farm, a key supplier to Aldi, councillors and partner that I spend so much time catchment, which discharges farms over 5000 acres, and organisations, including local working for the drainage via the gravity outfall sluice into has a 1.5MW anaerobic wildlife trusts. The more board,” says the father of the tidal river Welland near digestion (AD) plant, fed on people who get involved in three, who has been chairman Moulton Marsh Nature Reserve. maize and vegetable waste. drainage boards, the better,” of the IDB since 12 November The outfall sluice was built in The AD plant takes up to concludes Mr Worth.
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•POTATO TRIALS• 24 NEW TRIALS AIM TO RAISE THE BAR ON POTATO AGRONOMY
New trials by leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons could espite only being mid-way help to pave the way for improvements to potato through the first season, growers attending a agronomy. The Fenland Potato Demonstration at Friesland DD recent open day at the site Farm near Mildenhall, Suffolk is examining several key witnessed some interesting early areas, including nitrogen rates, crop safety of post- findings which could help inform future decision-making. emergence herbicides, the impact of seed age on yield The nitrogen trial in particular and integrated PCN management. revealed notable differences, especially when comparing it to the surrounding commercial crop of Maris Piper, according to Hutchinsons’ fertiliser manager Tim Kerr. The trial itself clearly showed variations in tuber size, Hutchinsons’ fertiliser manager Tim advancement and haulm growth Kerr. at the different nitrogen rates of are under investigation across a 0, 100, 200 and 300kg/ha, but he range of 22 new and established says the most significant varieties. difference this spring is more “There’s very little crop safety down to how the nitrogen has information available from been applied. manufacturers, who do not screen He believes the surrounding many new varieties, so we want commercial crop has performed to shed more light on how better than the trial area because different varieties are affected by the base NPK fertiliser was placed post-em treatments,” says Darryl in a band close to seed either side Shailes, Hutchinsons’ root crop of the ridge, whereas in the trial it technical manager. was broadcast onto the ploughed All varieties were planted on 30 surface and incorporated during May with herbicides applied in ridge formation. late June when crops had reached “The availability of less mobile 15cm high. Treatments included nutrients, especially phosphate, two rates of metribuzin (0.5kg/ha can be compromised in dry and 0.2kg/ha), Basagran SG weather meaning they are less (1.65kg/ha) + Phase II (2.0 readily available for developing litres/ha) and Titus (50g/ha). crops to take up. Placing fertiliser “Initially there was quite a lot of close to where it’s needed allows impact from the treatments, but more efficient use of it, especially because the soil here is so in dry soils,” he says. forgiving and crops received Perhaps the most visible decent rainfall at the end of June, differences were in the herbicide many subsequently grew away trial, where the crop effects of from those initial effects.” four post-emergence herbicides There are still notable
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•POTATO TRIALS• 25 Meanwhile John Keer and his “The ideal is to have a variety Richard Austin Agriculture with dual resistance to both types colleague Michael Roger are of PCN - rostochiensis and pallida investigating the impact of – and good tolerance. New different nematicides and varietal varieties are getting very close to resistance and tolerance on this.” He reports little visible potato cyst nematodes. difference in crop growth within Replicated plot trials have been the trial so far, but says the most set up in an area of field suffering interesting results will come from high incidence of Globodera the final PCN count later in the pallida. One part of the site is year. comparing five nematicide A follow-up meeting to discuss treatments on Maris Peer, while all findings from Friesland Farm Darryl Shailes (centre), Hutchinsons’ root crop technical manager. another set of trials is examining trials is due to be held this winter. differences in the impact of reveal interesting results. how 15 varieties with varying treatments on individual varieties, In the seed source and age trial, resistance and tolerance fare with About Friesland Farm with some crops – even those seven different Maris Piper seed and without a nematicide. • Owned and managed by A. where post-em herbicides are not lots of varying age are being Initial egg counts show a PCN L Lee Farming Company. recommended - showing virtually compared at two planting population of 36-53 eggs/ g soil • Farmed area totals 4,850ha no ill effects, while others have spacings; one based on AHDB and this will be compared to a (12,000 acres) across suffered more significant seed rate charts and the other at final count and measure of yield/ Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and yellowing, scorch or other standard 15” spacing. Chits and grade after harvest. Norfolk. damage to haulm growth. stem number have been recorded “There is a crucial difference • All irrigable. Mr Shailes cautions against and yield and size grade will be between resistance and tolerance • Diverse rotation with drawing any conclusions from one measured at harvest. that growers have to remember,” potatoes grown 1 year in year’s trial and insists further work “Last year saw low tuber says Dr Keer. “Resistance prevents every 6-8. is needed before advice can be numbers in the 6s and 7s rather PCN completing its lifecycle, so • Focus on processing and given about the crop safety of than 10s and 12s. This may have will allow you to gradually reduce chipping varieties. post-em treatments on specific been down to dull weather at PCN levels in the soil, but it tells • Trials site is on sandy black varieties. tuber initiation, but we want to you nothing about the crop’s Fen soil (high organic matter There are less discernible examine it further and see if there ability [tolerance] to withstand a and fertility). differences in the seed age and are any differences between the PCN attack. There isn’t much • Strong focus on maximising PCN trials, but experts believe age or source location of seed,” information from breeders on soil fertility and sustainability further tests after harvest could says agronomist Stefan Williams. varietal tolerance to PCN. across the farm.
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•GM UPDATE• 26 GM TECHNIQUES – EXPANDING THE BREEDERS’ TOOLBOX by Frances Wright could offer growers wider will be inserted, there will be Genetic Modification (GM) could provide breeders with potential for effective control three modes of action against options to consider on a case-by-case basis for enhancing and is likely to reduce the need the pathogen. Some fungicide for applied fungicides,” says applications will still be used to the sustainability of crop disease management, says Prof Prof Vincelli. control early blight, so the Paul Vincelli, Extension Professor and Provost’s fungicide will provide a fourth Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Resistance to late mode of action, so that it will blight be more difficult for the Kentucky (USA). With increasing losses of pathogen to evade all of them chemical plant protection tools, and break the resistance. This e explains that genes Program (SARE). GM could offer growers real means this combination should can be thought of as “The great thing about agronomic benefits, says Prof confer blight resistance for a HHsentences in a Word CRISPR (Clustered regularly Jonathan Jones of The good period of time,” he says. document. The ‘letters’ of DNA interspaced short palindromic Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), He adds that deploying blight (called “nucleotides”) are coded repeats) is that you determine Norwich. This is because it resistance genes is analogous to information, just like letters in a where you will put the could lead to crops that carry the use of antibiotics, where sentence. Sentences can be mutation, so it ends up in the genes that confer increased reliance on a single mode of copied and pasted into another right place - rather than disease resistance, thereby action eventually selects for document. Likewise, genes can involving insertion of a new facilitating an optimised mutations that enable a disease be copied and pasted into gene at a random location.” integrated pest management to resist the antibiotic. another organism. This could have a major impact (IPM). Moreover, timeliness of If it ends up in the correct on controlling powdery mildews In the UK, work is already fungicide spraying will not be place, for example in the for instance, which are major under way, he reports. He is so crucial, and when blight introduction in the right book, pathogens causing fungal leading a team which has pressure is high with a lot of then it can make a valuable infection in many crops contribution. If it should be in a including crucifers, onions, history book but ends up in a cucurbits, tomatoes and cereals. cookery recipe, then it may not This is because research has make sense. discovered that these plants The addition of genetic have ‘susceptibility genes’, material by genome editing is which produce compounds still very difficult at the current exploited by the pathogen. If time but knocking out genes by any of these genes can be genome editing is much more silenced – which can mean feasible. “Often, genome minimal change of just one editing is making very modest nucleotide - then a resistant changes to existing genes in live plant can be created, he cells, such as a single nucleotide explains. If accepted by the amend with no DNA being public, getting on top of introduced,” says Prof Vincelli, powdery mildew using gene who is also UK Coordinator for editing techniques could be the Sustainable Agriculture “low-hanging fruit” for the Research and Education industry. Other ways of targeting pathogens Jonathan Jones, Kamil Wittek and Marina País are working on blight-resistant include boosting plant Maris Piper potatoes. recognition of infection and developed a new, improved inoculum around, the grower disarming host Maris Piper potato with a stack will be able to wait until the susceptibility genes of three genes conferring land is dry enough to take the and would also need resistance to late blight. Using weight of the spraying only very modest similar methods, he aims to machinery without risking the modification, he adds. incorporate resistance to Potato crop. “At the end of the Virus Y and bacterial wilt “Even if the pathogen does day, whether these (Ralstonia solanacearum), and get on to the crop, it will not changes are effected perhaps even cyst nematode be able to multiply as quickly as by nature or by resistance. it would on a non-resistant CRISPR; the end result These blight resistance gene variety and that will help slow is the same. Using this lines are currently undergoing down any epidemics.” technology alongside field trials. Prof Jones says: One of the benefits of Prof other crop protection “Each blight resistance gene Jones’ projects is that the strategies such as can be considered a mode of potato will be Maris Piper but Prof Paul Vincelli, Extension Professor and cultural practices, action, and it is risky to rely on with additional traits, because Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor at the biological and just one mode of action. As adding specific genes for University of Kentucky (USA). chemical controls three blight resistance genes resistance does not affect the
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•GM UPDATE• 27 other characteristics of this purple calabrese would not be admits that he used to be highly popular maincrop variety. too difficult, and would involve opposed to GM technology This project is not Prof Jones’ gene editing rather than about 15 years ago, but first work with GM in potatoes; genetic engineering. changed his opinion when he in 2010-12, a blight resistance Using GM would also offer ‘looked rationally’ at the gene from Solanum venturii opportunities to bundle science and how it has ‘the was inserted into the variety together nutritional traits with potential to save pesticides Desiree. This gene conferred others which offer agronomic and improve food production’. resistance in the field and the advantages, she says. “We need For example, the neonicotinoid US company Simplot has to assess the traits, not the debate could be solved if a licenced this gene for technologies which help us gene expressed resistance to commercialisation in the US. achieve them; the varieties flea beetle. The modified Maris Piper will need to be improved in a Mr Lynas says: “There are no also carry traits that improve sustainable way, otherwise you easy options for pest control; tuber quality. By silencing a end up limited to a boutique things considered to be quick polyphenol oxidase, it will be market.” fixes soon lead to other less prone to bruise damage, There are plans to market Prof problems. For example, oilseed Cathie Martin’s ‘superfood’ tomato making it easier to ensure the in the USA as a juice product. GM for small scale rape growers use potatoes reach customer quality growers neonicotinoids or other specifications. By silencing an Gardeners and small-scale pesticides to control flea beetle invertase gene, it will show GM for vegetable horticulturalists do not usually or risk serious crop losses. lowered levels of reducing biofortification have access to the same crop Others find they are no longer sugars and cold-induced Genetic modification also protection products as able to grow oilseed rape.” sweetening, reducing offers consumers the commercial growers, so GM Many plants grown as crops blackening and formation of opportunity to improve their vegetables would provide them do not have genes to help acrylamide when cooked at nutrition, says Prof Cathie with real benefits, says Mark them withstand stresses such high temperatures. Martin of the John Innes Lynas, author of the book ‘The as heat and lack of water, so Prof Jones points out that Centre. In the developed world, God Species’. Giving them ways genetic markers are no help, natural genetic modification has as well as the developing to tackle challenges such as he adds. This means new been going on for thousands of world, nutrition is a growing mildew and blight with fewer – genes need to be brought in years. “Agrobacterium has concern, and is expected to or no – chemicals would help from a wider pool, which evolved to insert DNA into plant become even more so over the change incorrect perceptions often means inserting them cells, so there is nothing un- next five years as obesity levels that GM is highly corporate from other species. He sees natural about a crop that has continue to soar, leading to with few considerations for the polarised debate as still been transformed by subsequent health challenges. sustainability, he says. being a problem to GM Agrobacterium,” he explains. “Of course, we know people The leading environmentalist acceptance. “Agrobacterium naturally should eat more fruit and introduces DNA that alters the vegetables as they play an GM has come a long way plant’s hormones and causes important role in maintaining Dr Frances Gawthrop, director of research and development at galls, and modifies the plant’s good health.” She points out Tozer Seeds, says: “Genetic Modification has come a long way own metabolism so that it that conventional breeders have since the first genetically engineered plant was introduced in supports the bacterial growth. already developed vegetable 1983. In the following decades there was much public concern “For example, sweet potato is varieties such as red sprouts particularly around the introduction of DNA from one species the result of a natural event and purple-fleshed potatoes into another sexually that introduced Agrobacterium with added nutritional benefits incompatible species. The DNA into the crop plant. What - such as anthocyanins - which controversy and the use of GM we are doing is designing the have the ability to help protect is further complicated by the DNA that goes into the against a number of human different regulations for the Agrobacterium and then using diseases such as cardiovascular cultivation, import and export the DNA transfer activity of problems. of GMOs between countries. these bacteria to insert our However, these health “In recent years novel desired genes into the plant.” benefits have not yet received breeding techniques have Prof Jones also sees great the recognition they deserve emerged which create changes potential for GM use with and she would like celebrity in the genome without the vegetable crops; for instance, chefs to promote more fruit addition of DNA from sexually expressing a gene for and vegetables in their TV incompatible species. It is resistance to cabbage white shows and magazine articles, therefore virtually impossible butterfly could make a big as getting healthy messages to to distinguish the end product difference to brassica growers. the consumer can be from a conventionally bred Dr Frances Gawthrop of Tozer Seeds variety. is following the GM debate but not However, he cautions, this challenging. developing GM varieties. would not entail moving a As a result of GM research on “The latest CRISPR- Cas9 gene from one type of plant to fruit and vegetables, Prof enables precise gene editing within the species and overcomes another, but would instead Martin would like to see many of the concerns raised from earlier technologies. Despite require expression of a increased availability of red the precision there can be unintended consequences from bacterial gene in a plant, and sprouts, purple kale and CRISPR- Cas9 and it is important to assess the risks associated so could prove to be an broccoli for consumers. A with the technology against the benefits gained. expensive process. “The technical development so “Tozers continues to monitor developments in Genetic technology is easy, but using it consumers could purchase Modification and follow the debate but is not developing GM requires a change in purple sprouting broccoli all varieties of vegetables.” regulations,” he adds. year round and developing
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•ASPARAGUS CONFERENCE• 28 ASPARAGUS HAS POTENTIAL TO BE THE NEXT BIG HEALTH FOOD by Bill Sherer
There was considerable optimism for both growers and key, for example SCEPTREplus. Where marketing experts alike amongst the 150 delegates who products are approved attended The Biennial Asparagus Growers’ Association elsewhere in Europe conference which was held at Edward Spanton Farms, there is an option for mutual recognition from near Ramsgate in Kent during mid-July. the EU. Alternatively, we ask whether the date is ost farmer Edward figure outperforms most already available for Spanton took over the produce categories yet it still access or would there HHfamily farm in 1972. At trails dramatically behind be potential to that time, the 245ha unit grew avocadoes which had a cooperate in generating brassicas, onions and potatoes. massive 30.8% growth over data, she said. Today it grows 60ha of the same period. Submitting an asparagus with the balance She pointed out that application to CRD down to cereals. avocadoes were versatile, and might take up to a year Edward’s son Matthew were now available year-round. for the evaluation or returned to the farm last year, They possessed product even longer if the MRL having graduated from Writtle consistency with a strong is to be amended. Emma Fencott, Consumer Insight Director, Agricultural College in 2000 health emphasis, and were Kantar Worldpanel. “We have identified and subsequently managed a delicious as an accompaniment our key priorities for 600ha fruit, hop, potato and to bacon and egg breakfasts. and all-season benefits. 2017 through gap analysis, cereals farm in East Kent. “This could also be achieved Market research had the grower association and “Asparagus is outperforming by asparagus but it requires a traditionally shown that many panels covering a broad group general grocery as well as fresh similar approach. The key is to typical asparagus shoppers of pests, weeds and diseases” produce markets with an raise awareness and product were likely to be wealthier said Vivian. High up on this impressive year-on-year growth profile and, above all, to than for other vegetable crops, agenda was the Asparagus of 4.1% to £77.6 million,” said identify new shoppers” she yet encouragingly, the typical Beetle. Other pests in Emma Fencott, Consumer said. asparagus purchaser now horticultural crops included Insight Director, Kantar There was also the PR and included much larger numbers Aphids; Western Flower Thrips; Worldpanel. Volume sales were communications challenge of of those from less affluent Spotted Winged Drosophila; also up 1.4% with this lower persuading consumers to buy sectors. Thrips; Two Spotted Spider growth attributed to a asparagus out of season and Mite; Tomato Russet Mite and consumer trend for purchasing not just during the British Gains and losses of Tuta Absoluta. smaller pack sizes. Household season. To that end, the Enjoy crop protection actives penetration had also increased Asparagus campaign is “Since 2013, the main crop SCEPTREplus by 2.3% to 30.2%. majoring for the first time with protection active gains for SCEPTREplus is a £1.4 million “Over a five year period a year-round approach, asparagus growers have been crop protection programme asparagus has shown a very emphasising asparagus’s many Bucktril-bromoxynil; Shark- which will run over a 4 year encouraging 6.1% year-on-year health providing carfentrazone ethyl and Tracer- period. Trials being undertaken growth,” said Emma. This characteristics, its versatility spinosad” said Vivian Powell, are specifically targeting key AHDB Horticulture. Major disease, pest and weed losses were Datura (linuron) problems which have been where authorisation for its use identified by the industry. The expires on June 3rd 2018; project team involves Agri- Timbel-triclopyr, where food Solutions, The University discussions on alternatives of Warwick, NIAB-EMR, RSK were taking place; and Goltix- ADAS and Stockbridge metamitron through lack of Technology Centre. The aims of metabolism data SCEPTREplus are to provide A Status Quo position existed new biological and integrated for Cythrin Max-for use in control techniques linked to a harvest (24 hour PHI, replacing reduction of supply chain the earlier authorisation for vulnerability. Toppel 100 which is now not The benefits gained from the commercially available). original SCEPTRE project Roundup Bioactive is no longer included earlier evaluation of supported by the company. new products for horticultural Vivian said it was important crops with many new actives to talk with companies about identified and several new new actives and biopesticides modes of action. Early and with relevant EU contacts knowledge of product within European Commodity performance and crop safety Matthew Spanton (left) with his father Edward Spanton. Expert Groups. Research was has also been achieved. AHDB
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•ASPARAGUS CONFERENCE• 29 require an IPM approach to and position paper manage beetle populations asked many key successfully” explained Vivian. questions such as: How would it operate? How Asparagus Beetle trials many workers would it With trials in year one there cover? From where? For had been a laboratory screen what roles? For how of products targeted at adult long? By whom? Was it asparagus beetles. The system fair for workers? “We covered field-collected beetles, believe that the treatments applied to spears brochure sets out the and beetles caged with treated key guidelines required spears. for a seasonal workers Products to be evaluated scheme which is both fit include conventional for purpose and also for insecticides which are new the future of your and/or approved on other industry at this critical crops, bio-insecticides, and time” he said. products which have been A good place to work ordered and are awaiting at for seasonal arrival. Further work will be employees included Vivian Powell, AHDB Horticulture. David Camp, Chief Executive of The required to manage both Association of Labour Providers. regular work; reasonable Horticulture was working adults and larvae in the fern pay and benefits; closely with chemical using both insecticides and by 17% in May alone, and professional supervisors; all companies and CRD to secure bio-insecticides. returnees from Eastern Europe treated fairly and with equal labels and EAMUs. “Asparagus growers can find had fallen alarmingly from respect; complete fairness for out more through the AHDB 65% to 33% between January agency workers; good Pest and disease Horticulture website, our Ask and May this year. accommodation; a good work priorities us questions feature, AHDB A June BBC Survey posed the environment which was safe “Our identified disease Grower articles, Blogs/Videos, question: Do you have enough and healthy, inclusive and priorities for asparagus have our Crop Protection news seasonal workers for the start involving, providing included Phytophthora, monthly e-mail, SCEPTREplus of this years’ main picking opportunities for Fusarium, Stemphylium and on Twitter and by contacting season? Of those interviewed, advancement. Virus” she said. Key asparagus us at [email protected]. 78% said that recruitment of A measure of The pests were Asparagus Beetle, Queries relating to Eastern European labour, Association of Labour and Aphids, including as Virus SCEPTREplus can be e-mailed covering both UK fruit and Providers’ success is that this vectors. High priority weeds, to [email protected]. We vegetable growers, had been year the organisation was an due to lack of actives and welcome your questions and considerably more difficult Awards Winner within the weed type, include: enquiries,” concluded Vivian than last year, whilst 20% plus Best Practice Awards category Blacknightshade; Cleavers; Powell. of interviewees said that it had for its Corporate Social Common Couch; Creeeping been by far the hardest they Responsibility programme. The Thistle; Field Bindweed; Prospects for labour had experienced for many awards are organised by The Groundsel; Marestail; Rosebay availability from 2018 years. Trade Association Forum and Willowherb. “Several recent and In his concluding remarks, Work being undertaken at authoritative surveys have Model Seasonal David Camp said; “ALP’s long The Warwick Crop Centre on identified the serious concerns Workers’ Scheme term mission is to ensure that Asparagus Beetle had of important organisations “ALP launched a very labour provision in the UK identified major problems with about the volatility of the important document in July” consumer goods supply chain eggs laid on the stems of future number of Eastern said David Camp. Entitled is recognised in all relevant spears and a reduction in yield Europeans required to work on ‘Building a Model Seasonal sectors as a model of good due to the pest feeding on our farms at harvest time,” Workers Scheme’, the briefing practice”. fern, by both adult Asparagus said David Camp, Chief Beetle and their larvae. Executive of The Association of There are two ‘target’ stages Labour Providers (ALP), a trade for effective association promoting pesticide/biopesticide responsible practices across applications. For adult many industries, including asparagus beetle it is when horticulture. spears are emerging and An ALP survey had identified where the requirement is for that 21% of labour providers products with a short harvest did not expect to be able to interval. Adult asparagus supply sufficient workers for beetles and their larvae on fern Summer 2017. Over 75% can accept a longer harvest believed there would be interval. Eggs which are on insufficient or probably lower stems and pupae in soil and quality workers compared with trash are unlikely to be good 2016. Flexibility targets. Meanwhile an NFU survey Freshness and firmness JANNY MT FRANCE Strategic preservation www .jannymt.com “The longer-term and more identified that seasonal, Mushrooms - Fruits TTéél : +33 3 85 23 96 20 effective solution is likely to overseas workers had dropped Flowers - Vegetables [email protected]
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JOIN US AT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS
11th and 12th October 2017 near Spalding, 5th October 2017 in Suffolk Lincolnshire PE11 3JG
Highlights includee: Join us at the BCGA Carrot Variety Demonstration on 5th October A wide range oof variety trials featuring new and noovel 2017. Theere will be an opportunity to view ourr range of market introductions including an exciting new innovation on Purple leading carrot and parsnip introductions. In addition there will be Sprouting Brocccoli. an opportunity to view plots of completely new hybrids in our own Specialist techhnical advice available throughout both days screening trial on the same site. Machinery exhhibitors displaying the very latest in technology • Networking oppportunities with exhibitors and experts from the industry The site is located at Trotters BASIS and NRRoSO points applied for Field, Alderton Road, • Catering and reefreshments available Shottisham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3RH. For full details on our open days, please visit our web page.
Please visit our website or contact uss for more information t +44 (0)1775 715000 f +44 (0)1775 715001 @Elsomssseeds www.elsoms.com