FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:02 Page 1

THE FRUIT May 2017 GROWER

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MAY 2017 • 3

oPiNioN C O N T E N T S It is too early to assess the extent of the damage that several days of frosts at the end of April have inflicted. For top fruit growers, the old adage says that frost is always less damaging than News Page 4 you think, but hail is always more damaging. For vine growers, it seems that whilst some of those who tried to keep the temperatures around their tender shoots above freezing might have Cuprokylt Page 6 succeeded for two nights, sadly an icy blast on the third night was too much to cope with. Woolly aphid Looking across the English Channel, it is likely that some fruit growing regions in Europe have been severely hit, which will have a knock-on effect for this season, but possibly longer term control Page 7 implications too. Horticultural To be cheered up, turn to the first report of the Under 40s Fruit Growers trip to South Africa that incomes Page 9 covers the visits made to soft fruit businesses. As all the young fruit growers came home brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, this biennial fruit industry institution still spreads its magic. Global Berry Another thought-provoking report for soft fruit growers comes from this year’s Global Berry Congress Page 11 Congress. The message from many of the speakers was that consumers have never been so demanding, and that discounters are evolving at a rapid pace. ‘Taste is king’ was another National Fruit Show important message and, despite increasing at an annual rate of 7-8%, the berry sector still offers AGM Page 15 plenty of opportunities for growth, and there will be more emphasis on locally-grown berries in future. Vineyard weed Plans for the next National Fruit Show are well in hand, and there is much else that this major fruit control Page 18 industry event can do, both before and after the Show, as Show President Michael Jack said, to engage, educate and enlarge. Amongst these activities, the Apple World Education programme Under 40s Fruit offers excellent fully subsidised primary school workshops that are integrated with the National Growers Page 20 Curriculum for 6 to 10-year-olds and tick all the Ofsted boxes. Bizarrely, the greatest challenge facing the programme is to contact the right decision-maker in a school to make them aware of Biostimulants Page 24 this fantastic free opportunity. If you have contacts with your local primary school please pass them on to Sarah Calcutt as, at present, they cannot recruit enough schools. Once a school has Research Briefing Page 26 had a visit, repeat bookings are assured. Leaf analysis Page 28 THE FRUIT GROWER IS PUBLISHED BY Storage technology Page 29 LION HOUSE, CHURCH STREET MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 1EN TEL: 01622 695656 FAX: 01622 663733 e-mail: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION RATES The Fruit Grower is a member of the independent Press Standards organisation that regulates the uK’s magazine and TWELVE ISSUES Inland UK £40 Air Mail:Europe/Eire £50 newspaper industry. we abide by the editors’ Code of Practice and Middle East/USA/Canada £60 – Far East/Australia/New Zealand £70 are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. if Printed by Hastings Printing Company you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact Chris Tanton, editor, at ISSN 0953-2188 [email protected] or telephone 01622 695656. if we are unable to Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, the resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about publishers and their agents can accept no responsibility for claims and opinions iPSo or the editors’ Code, please contact iPSo on 0300 123 2220 expressed by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. or visit www.ipso.co.uk.

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F News F 4 Berry Gardens’ winning formula Berry Gardens Growers Limited held its 45th AGM at the predict that this will continue for the foreseeable future, as new, Mercure hotel, Maidstone, Kent on 27 April. better-eating varieties such as Driscoll’s™ elizabeth® and The company has again enjoyed a record year with turnover rosalie® increase production. The popularity of newer berries exceeding £300m for the first time, ending the year at £318.7m, such as sweet eating blackberries continues to grow unabated, an increase of over 14% year-on-year. giving customers a wider selection to choose from. in addition, “our continued success and double-digit growth illustrates that this year we expect to see the volume of British cherries our strategy of supplying the best varieties, underpinned by our substantially increase as the new plantings by several Berry co-operative structure, is a winning formula,” says Chairman Gardens growers over the last few years reach their maturity – Alastair Brooks. we are the only grower-owned berry and cherry following a colder and drier winter than last year the orchards have marketing group in the sector and this gives us the ability to react comfortably reached their chill hours and the signs are positive for swiftly in our dynamic market and maximise opportunities. As a a good cherry season.” co-operative, our policy is to return surpluses to our grower 2016 Kantar figures show that the total berry market was valued owners which enables them to invest in the most up-to-date at £1.18bn, representing an increase in value of 12.6% year-on- production techniques. our customers know that when they trade year; raspberries and blueberries experienced the highest value with Berry Gardens they are dealing directly with the growers and growth at 21% and 23.73% respectively. The number of overseas partners and have the confidence that we will deliver the households buying berries reached an all-time high of just under best quality produce.” 84%. Although strawberries are relatively mature, last year market The early winter months of 2016 enjoyed strong trading with penetration increased by 2% to just under 80% of British sales of imported and early British fruit racing ahead of last year. households buying strawberries on average 13.6 times. The berry As the year progressed, the uK enjoyed higher than average market continues to be the success story of the overall fruit sunshine hours that gave the home-grown season a good start. market and achieved value growth of just over 5%, with apples favourable weather conditions, particularly in August and and bananas losing value. Although uK cherry production overall September, coupled with growers’ continued focus on high quality was affected negatively by the weather in 2016, Berry Gardens fruit, resulted in a new high level of sales during the British season. increased its market share of British production by 15% to 65% - Alastair concluded, “The British public’s love of berries and in some weeks over the summer Berry Gardens’ share exceeded cherries continues to thrive and enjoy double-digit growth – we 80%. farmers and growers quiz DefrA Secretary on agriculture post-Brexit Kent Nfu members have quizzed DefrA Secretary of State farmers and Andrea Leadsom on future domestic agricultural policy post- growers Brexit. reinforced the farmers and growers met with the Secretary of State on 12 need to retain April at Clockhouse farm, Coxheath near Maidstone, Kent – vital crop the home of top fruit and soft fruit growers robert and oli protection Pascall, who are Nfu members. The meeting was arranged by products post- helen Grant, MP for Maidstone & the weald. Topping the Brexit, calling for agenda were issues arising from Brexit – notably trade, labour a supportive and future domestic agricultural policy. stance from in attendance was Kent Nfu adviser Amanda Corp, who DefrA. They summed up the meeting, saying: “farmers and growers from also called for the weald Nfu branch had a constructive meeting with the simplicity of any DefrA Secretary of State. farmers asked what measures new schemes DefrA would put in place post-Brexit to enable our that DefrA agricultural industry to meet its aims of becoming more might draw up competitive and profitable, while contributing to improved food to replace the security.” uK’s Access to labour is particularly vital to horticultural arrangements by which organisations can apply for recognition businesses. So growers emphasised that DefrA must start as a Producer organisation (Po) under the eu fruit and working now to prepare a scheme, or help to develop a Vegetables regime. Any successor to the agri-environment combination of schemes, so that businesses avoid a chronic scheme - Countryside Stewardship - should also be simplified, labour shortage from 2019. said Nfu members.

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F News F 5 GrowQuip 2017 The roll-call of speakers taking part in the GrowQuip 2017 challenges they face in the Conference, dinner and industry showcase is taking shape and day-to-day running of their major sponsors have announced their support of the event. businesses, and inspiration GrowQuip, organised by Commercial horticultural from an international line-up Association (ChA), is the cross-industry commercial of speakers. horticultural conference, focusing on the key issues facing Amanda Sizer Barrett MBe, Director General of the growers of fruit, vegetables, salads and ornamentals, and will federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers, will be opening take place at the four-star Stratford Manor hotel in Stratford- the conference and will introduce the speakers. upon-Avon, warwickshire on 1 and 2 November 2017. Contact Pat flynn for details and to book your places at the The subsidised, all-inclusive package for delegates of £265 conference, the dinner or your presence at the industry plus VAT includes entrance to the full day’s programme of showcase. e-mail [email protected], telephone Pat on 07778 distinguished speakers, access to the industry showcase, 313623 or contact the ChA secretariat head office on 01959 lunch, dinner with an after-dinner speaker, overnight 565995. accommodation at Stratford Manor hotel and breakfast, plus refreshments during the event. There will be ample opportunity for delegates to visit the industry showcase and network with fellow growers and suppliers during the conference and at the reception and dinner. The GrowQuip event will follow a themed conference programme - “equip yourself for success” - that will bring together the best brains in commercial horticulture to provide growers with help in overcoming some of the common

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F News F 6 emergency authorisation granted for Cuprokylt emergency authorisation has been issued for Certis’ fungicide Cuprokylt, for use against Nectria canker in apples and pears. This has come as a welcome relief to growers and agronomists alike, as the number of active ingredients for use against Nectria canker is limited, explains hutchinson’s horticultural agronomist, rob Saunders. “The climate in the uK means that our orchards experience high canker infection pressure, and the newer varieties like Gala and Kanzi have little resistance to the disease. Cuprokylt is a very important product that protects new infection entry points at key times in the season,” says rob. “Nectria canker can be particularly damaging in young orchards, as when a canker lesion is present in the central stem it results in the loss of the tree. Some young orchards have suffered losses of up to 10% per year,” he adds. There are two key periods when canker infections can or growth stage BBCh07 with a minimum of seven days become established, firstly in early spring during bud-break between applications. Application should be made using an where bud scales fall, leaving a scar, and secondly, the most air-assisted broadcast sprayer. significant period is during leaf fall in the autumn, when The emergency authorisation will last for 120 days and will falling leaves result in thousands of leaf scars. These scars expire on 14 July 2017. There is a 50m aquatic buffer zone are not easily infected, but because they are so numerous, that must be strictly adhered to. they are the most significant entry points for new canker infections – ranking above both fruit picking scars and pruning wounds in importance. “Being able to apply english Apples and Pears AGM Cuprokylt onto these entry points is really important for The annual general meeting of english Apples and Pears Ltd reducing the possibility of a new canker infection taking took place on 28 March and was well attended by growers, hold,” says rob Saunders. marketing agents and industry representatives. The AGM, led Cuprokylt is a protectant fungicide, containing 50% w/w by the Chairman Phil Acock, saw the approval of the 2016/17 copper oxychloride, in a wettable powder formulation. it has report and accounts, and the re-election of the current board a multi-site mode of action and is classified by frAC as with the addition of three new directors, namely Chris ‘low-risk’ for the development of fungicide resistance. it Browning, Philip hermon and James Simpson. should be applied at a maximum individual dose of 2 kg/ha Steven Munday, Chief executive officer, provided a season with a maximum of four applications in a minimum of 400 review and an update on sales in the year-to-date compared to litres/ha water volume, though higher water volumes and the the previous year, showing sales of dessert apples to be up by use of a wetter are likely to be beneficial, as good cover is 3.58%, Bramley sales up by 10.92% and pears up by 0.79%, vital. The latest time for this application is before bud-burst based on a crop that was about 5% lower than in the 2015/16 season. Steven commented: “it was important to use the AGM to 29th BIFGA Annual General Meeting update all of our stakeholders about the work that has been going on behind the scenes as part of our ongoing programme Wednesday 14 June 2017 of change. This includes the tightening of governance, the Torry Hill Farm, Milstead, Sittingbourne, Kent, strengthening of the board, the outsourcing of the ‘back office’ ME9 0SP. systems to British Growers Association, the introduction of the Sponsored by Agrovista UK Ltd. new ‘Great British Apples’ brand and the appointment of a new sole promotional agency, richmond Towers. There are Visit to chestnut timber production exciting times ahead for eAP”. followed by an orchard tour. The meeting was closed with a very informative and timely Delegate places must be pre-booked presentation by hayley Campbell Gibbons, the Nfu’s Chief horticulture Advisor, around the challenges and opportunities Tel: 01892 724540 or email: that Brexit brings to top fruit, horticulture and the wider [email protected] agricultural sector.

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F News F 7 Emergency authorisation for woolly aphid control

CrD has issued an emergency 120-day authorisation for the based on spirotetramat, which works by the inhibition of lipid use of the Bayer insecticide Movento Top (spirotetramat) to biosynthesis. “it is transported within the plant by both the xylem control woolly aphid on apples. and phloem so can therefore protect new growth that has not This emergency was precipitated by the loss of key plant been sprayed directly. it must be applied when the crop is protection products. until recently, woolly aphid (Erisoma actively growing to enable uptake and redistribution to the Lanigerum) had been considered a sporadic pest of apple, tissues where woolly aphids feed and can ingest the active which was sometimes present at low levels in orchards and only substance.” caused problems occasionally. however, following the loss of he stresses that, due to the mode of action, rapid knockdown pirimicarb and chlorpyrifos last spring, woolly aphid infestations should not be expected. “obvious control usually occurs after rapidly increased during the season to levels that caused crop three to seven days and is dependent upon pest stage, with the rejections in some cases. There was great concern that higher youngest larvae being most susceptible and adults least woolly aphid populations carried into winter 2016/17 would susceptible. for optimum control, application should be made at result in further escalation of infestations this year, leading to a the early signs of woolly aphids migrating from old wood to new significant risk of crop rejections. it was estimated that about shoots, so that population build-up is prevented by targeting the 3,241ha of orchards were significantly at risk and that the very young larval stages as they are produced.” maximum economic impact on the industry could be over £70 Given the woolly aphid lifecycle, Tim Lacey expects that a first million. application will be required in late May or June. in situations of AhDB horticulture’s Vivian Powell, who led the application for high infestation, a second application may be required after a the emergency authorisation, says: “it is great that we worked minimum interval of 21 days to prevent further multiplication. he with growers, regulators and the manufacturer to obtain use of adds that Movento and Movento Top are not interchangeable. this new product that will help growers alleviate issues with “Movento is an oD formulation containing 150g/litre of woolly aphid. our work is all about finding the solutions to spirotetramat which has been authorised for use in vegetable problems that work effectively and efficiently, and which can be and ornamental crops in the uK since 2009, it is not suitable for integrated into iPM strategies.” fruit crops. Movento Top is an SC formulation containing This authorisation permits a maximum of two treatments per 100g/litre of spirotetramat designed specifically for more crop, a maximum individual dose of 2.25 litre/ha and a pre- sensitive crops like top-fruit. it has been authorised in several harvest interval of 21 days. The final date for storage and use of european countries for a similar period, but not the uK, and has stocks is 29 August 2017. The label specifies application from recently been reviewed and re-authorised by the Austrian fruit size up to 10mm (BBCh 71) to the beginning of ripening authorities.” (BBCh 81) and advises varying application rates according to work is ongoing to obtain a full label authorisation for the use crop canopy height. of Movento Top in the uK. for more information on this Bayer’s Campaign Manager for horticulture Tim Lacey emergency authorisation refer to the CrD pesticides database describes Movento Top as a two-way systemic insecticide https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/pestreg/

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The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:03 Page 8

F News F 8 ‘Shark’ to control weeds in strawberries A new extension of Authorisation of Minor use (eAMu) has post-harvest seasons. The first trial in february showed no been issued for Shark, which acts as an effective herbicide lasting effects on plant quality or subsequent fruit yield. control against a variety of weeds that reside in the planting Additionally, the second trial, when Shark was applied post- holes of strawberry crops. harvest in September, produced a significant reduction in Controlling nuisance weeds that grow within the planting weeds and left no aesthetic effects on newly emerging leaves. holes of strawberry crops has long presented a significant The herbicide proved to be particularly effective in getting rid challenge to growers, with time-consuming weeding by hand of nuisance weeds such as willow herb, chickweed and until now being the only real solution. Although there are other groundsel. herbicides for weed prevention in strawberries, Shark will allow Scott raffle, AhDB horticulture knowledge exchange growers to take control of existing weeds. manager said: “we are aware that the financial pressures on however, with trials of Shark showing it to offer highly growers to remove weeds by hand could be in the region of successful control of nuisance weeds, it could not only save £1,200/ha per session and that they may need to do this a significantly on labour costs but also help to reduce crop few times each year. with new post-emergence options, we competition and therefore yields. “Given the costs of manual could potentially save £2,000/ha. So, you can imagine that labour required for weeding in strawberry fields, i welcome a Shark could not be available soon enough.” project of this nature that helps to identify new products for Growers can keep up with the latest eAMus on the AhDB weed control” says richard Stanley, a strawberry grower. horticulture website or by signing up to receive industry interestingly, the trials with Shark found it to be most specific eAMu alerts to their inbox at effective when applied during the dormant and immediately https://horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/latest-eamus-and-updates. New season, new faces at wye fruit As the new 2017 fruit growing season is getting started, Ledbury at both heineken and Bevisol; his previous roles with trees in full bloom and strawberries ripening, the 15 have included Production Manager and most recently he growers from the wye fruit producer organisation in was operations Manager at Cott Beverages in wrexham. Ledbury, herefordshire welcome new expertise into the David’s role at wye fruit will be to drive efficiencies through business and onto its Board of Directors. the Ledbury packhouse that serves all its members’ Chris fletcher was promoted to General Manager last year businesses. and, as a result, wye fruit has recently recruited a new George Leeds, Chairman of the Board at wye fruit, has operations Manager to support Chris in his new role. David announced that Ali Capper has joined the Board of harrison-Branter has previous experience of working in Directors. Ali and her husband richard are members of wye fruit, growing Gala, Braeburn and red windsor at Stocks farm, Suckley, worcestershire. Ali brings a valuable wealth of industry experience through her work as Chairman of the Nfu’s horticulture & Potatoes Board. George Leeds said of both appointments, “wye fruit is in great shape going into the 2017 season. Both these appointments are intended to ensure that we continue to put the interests of our members at the heart of everything that we do in ensuring we understand what today’s consumers want and that we continue to deliver the highest quality soft fruit, apples and pears to our supermarket customers.” wye fruit is the premier grower and packer of soft fruit, apples and pears in the west Midlands, specialising in strawberry varieties Sweet eve and eve’s Delight, blueberry varieties Duke and Liberty, kiwiberries, apple varieties Gala, Braeburn, Cox, Junami, Spartan and red windsor, and Conference, Concorde and Comice pears. wye fruit was delighted to recently receive an inspiration Award from M&S for consistently supplying excellent quality strawberries during the 2016 season.

www.thefruitgrower.co.uk The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:03 Page 9

F News F 9 report highlights value and complexities of uK horticulture horticulture accounted for 13% of the uK’s total revenue for these businesses increased to average agricultural output last year. horticulture businesses £234,000 per business. whilst seeds, plants, fertiliser, generated a total revenue of £3,101 million, which chemical and labour costs remained relatively stable, represents a 3% increase on the previous year, according to vegetable producers made small savings in fuel and property the latest statistics from the farm Business Survey. costs, boosting incomes for the year. horticultural business profitability increased by 9% in 2016, to average £34,350 per business, out-performing most Hardy nursery stock growers other sectors. incomes were 9% higher than the average incomes for ornamental nursery stock producers dropped farm. But such statistics provide a simplistic view of the back by 4% to average £38,000 per business in 2016. sector, and the diverse nature of uK horticulture means that Although output fell across the group, growers responded there were both winners and losers last year. by cutting back on spending, on both direct inputs and fixed costs. This helped to prevent a greater hit to income as Edible glasshouse production output reduced by 26% to average just over £260,000 per Profitability remained relatively stable for those growing business.

mainly edible crops under glass, at nearly £25,000 per 2014/15 2015/16 business, despite a significant increase in output of 18%. 60000 Income £ Per Business The average business generated revenue of £293,000, but 50000 significant rises in costs countered this increased turnover. 40000 rising costs hit businesses hard. Labour costs increased 30000 31% over the year, whilst the cost of seeds and young 20000 plants went up by an average of £11,000 per business. 10000 0 Those businesses specialising in salad crops saw incomes All Hortics Glasshouse Glasshouse Fruit Outdoor Hardy Nursery increase by a modest £4,000 to average £28,982 per Edibles Non-Edibles Vegetables Stock business, despite averaging a turnover of over £350,000 each. Although the costs of young seeds and plants increased, overall input costs were down on the year but these growers too struggled with higher labour costs that Late spring frosts cause accounted for 26% of total turnover. major damage to vineyards Non-edible glasshouse production As much as 50% of england’s grape harvest this year may incomes for non-edible glasshouse crops increased by have been lost due to deep frosts that occurred in the last few 32% to average £58,000 per business. whilst input costs days of April. The air frost caused major damage to buds that remained relatively stable year-on-year, in contrast to other had bloomed earlier than usual because of warm weather parts of the horticultural sector, this group of ornamental earlier in the month. Denbies wine estate in Surrey produces producers actually reduced their wages bill by 18% to 500,000 bottles of wine each year, but about 75 per cent of its average just under £110,000 per business. vines were affected. england has 133 wineries and produced five million bottles of wine in 2015. Fruit growers revenue dropped by 10% for specialist fruit growers, and despite savings on packaging, marketing and labour costs, incomes fell back by 8% to average just over £13,000 per business. Top fruit businesses suffered from falling farm-gate prices, particularly those growing dessert apples, where prices fell by an average of 27%. on the other hand, cider apple growers suffered the smallest fall in profitability in the top fruit sector, with prices for the crop barely changing on the previous year.

Outdoor vegetable growers Profits rose by 27% for outdoor vegetable producers to average £40,300 per business in 2016. As prices picked up,

The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:03 Page 10

F News F 10 Nuffield Farming Scholarship application deadline looming with just three months until the Academic July application deadline for the requirements are not 2018 Nuffield farming a prerequisite of the Scholarships, candidates are being Scholarships, but urged to start their applications individuals should now. be well established Nuffield director, Mike Vacher, in their career, and reminds prospective Scholars that demonstrate a it is best to start the process as soon as possible, to make the passion for the most of the individuals on-hand to help. “The online application industry they work process is designed to be relatively straightforward. however, it in. “we encourage does take time and can raise some questions. Because of this, individuals from all i’d recommend speaking to a Scholar, or a member of the corners of the Nuffield team before starting the process. They’ll be able to industry to apply, answer questions, provide you with first-hand advice, and help and you don’t need you gain a good understanding of what the Scholarship entails, to be from a farming which is a great starting point. There will be numerous background either.” individuals on hand at every stage of your Nuffield journey to The deadline for provide help and guidance.” application Nuffield farming Scholarships lend themselves to motivated submissions is 31 individuals, with a passion for farming or related industries, aged July, with shortlisting between 22 and 45, who want to broaden their horizons, and taking place in october. The chosen candidates will be officially make a real change to agriculture. “Successful applicants will be presented with their awards at the 2017 Nuffield farming provided with a bursary of £7,000 for 18-months’ worth of Scholarships Trust annual conference, which will be held in global travel and study, as well as unrivalled training, worldwide Bristol in November. contacts, attendance at international conferences and other for further details or to apply, please visit lifetime experiences,” says Mike. www.nuffieldscholar.org four in a row for herefordshire fruit grower The ‘simple but efficient’ formula that Landini applies to its fruit tractors has won over apple grower Guy Thompson, who recently added a fourth rex to his fleet at Lyde farm, upper Lyde near hereford. The new 92hp Landini rex 100GT is being kitted out with a mounting frame for a cider apple harvester ready to join the rex 80f and rex 90f tractors that have been purchased over the past nine years. All have been supplied by Landini sales, parts and service dealership and fruit tractor specialist richard Tooby farm Services, Putley near Ledbury. Mr Thompson grows 19 acres of Bramley, russet, red windsor and Gala supplied through local grower co-operative wye fruit, plus 10 acres of cider Bramleys and 30 acres of

Michelin and Dabinett, destined for the Shepton Mallet cider mill. “The Landini rex tractors have served us very well over the years,” he says. “They’re perfect for what we want – simple but effective and very durable, and we get good service from richard Tooby.” Another two rex tractors were ready for delivery on the day Mr Thompson was handed the keys to his fourth Landini.

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F Global Berry Congress F 11 Global Berry Congress 2017 – A sweet spot for berries Held for the third successive year in Rotterdam and for the second time at the World Trade Centre, 400 delegates attended this year’s event, writes Steven Vale. he clear message from many of the 40 speakers at the one-day Global Berry Congress is that consumers have Tnever been so demanding, and that discounters are evolving at a rapid pace. ‘Taste is king’ was another important message and, despite increasing at an annual rate of 7 or 8%, the berry sector still offers plenty of opportunities for growth, and there will be more emphasis on locally-grown berries in future.

for the next presentation, the audience had to choose between two separate topics, and The Fruit Grower opted for ‘Labour issues: ethics and Automation’. This began with a presentation by Marion Durose of Safe Space/Produce ethical Network (uK), who spoke about the Modern Slavery Act that came into force in the uK in 2015, and is part of the united Nations plan to abolish slavery by 2025. Marion said that the berry sector is very good with varieties, growing techniques and packaging, but labour ethics are Pippa Bailey of ipsos Mori (uK) kicked off the proceedings with interesting results from a survey of 3,000 consumers in the uK, france and Germany. one of the questions was: ‘which type of berry had they purchased or eaten within the Fantastic for Fruit past 12 months?’ The results for the uK were strawberries Fulvic 25 (34%), raspberries (25%), blueberries (23%) and t A natural soil blackberries (18%). These conditioner. figures were mirrored, to some extent, in both france and t Restores & improves growing Germany, but with one media for better root action. exception - blueberries in t Increases availability of essential france, that made up just 14% nutrients for healthier plants. of the total. Pippa suggested that the berry sector needs to t Easy to us se liquid formulation. develop sensory brand names For the full story search for berries, like apples - for “Fulvic 25” example ‘red Delicious’. “This Barnham, West Sussex PO22 0BT could be an opportunity,” she ToTop quality speciality fertilizers 01243 554090

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something growers need to seriously think about for the future. She questioned how well the sector knows the supply chain? “Globally, there are estimated to be around 45 million strawberry harvesting robot currently being developed by slaves, and there is not a country in the world that does not Belgian firm octinion. Presented by Ceo, founder and owner have slavery,” she said. “Labour ethics are becoming Tom Coen, participants had an opportunity to see it on the increasingly important with consumers, and the berry sector second day of the event. cannot afford to ignore this.” She believes that the sector following lunch, one of the most enjoyable topics was a currently has a good image, but that everyone has some form presentation on possibilities for the fifth berry – the haskap. of hand-held camera device these days and that a picture Sometimes referred to as the honeyberry, Canadian grower posted on social media could ruin this very quickly. Logie Cassells said the crop will be as big as blueberries in 50 The second part of this presentation was about the years. Grown mainly in China (between 3,000ha and

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12,000ha) and North America (600ha), Logie described it as a lot of water, and secondly, birds love them, so orchards the world’s tastiest berry. must be netted, otherwise birds will quickly clear them.” The good news for British growers is that it thrives in a Jan Marc Schultz of Sri rotterdam reckons the potential is north-european climate, requiring just 750 chilling units. in there for the haskap. The main issue, as he sees it, is that the fact, an increasing number of growers are growing the crop in fruit is soft to pick when ripe. “There is a lot of waste, so europe, including Scotland, Poland and Germany. Almost all growers need a plan to use this fruit,” he said. he also the Polish production from 2,000ha is shipped to Canada that, touched on the fresh market, and reckons this will come, but with around 810ha itself, is an emerging market. Currently, the that production is currently not high enough. Also, he believes honeyberries are frozen and processed into a wide range of that the potential for a breakthrough for the crop in europe different products, including juice, smoothies, red wine and depends on legislation. “we have novel food legislation in gin. “is there a catch? - Yes,” he says. “firstly, the crop needs europe,” he said. “however, the introduction to the market of

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the haskap will start in Switzerland (a non-eu country) this The blueberry area has expanded quickly in Australia from summer. it will be interesting to follow consumer experience 250ha in 1992, and is forecast to reach 1500ha next year and see how prices develop.” when total volumes harvested will top 12,000 tonnes (11,000 Slovenian grower Janja Postruẑnik believes that the crop tonnes this year). Production volumes are expected to has a big future in europe. Janja is a partner at haskap Ltd, a increase at an average rate of around 17% during the next company that claims to have been the first to introduce the three years to 14,000 tonnes in 2019, 15,000 tonnes in 2020 crop to the country in 2014. Currently growing 32ha, the plan and 16,000 tonnes in 2021. Costa produces about 50% of is to expand the area by another 15-20ha this year. “Slovenia today’s total. has an ideal climate with enough chilling hours, good soil and Costa Group’s expansion continued in 2007 when they plenty of rainfall,” she said. “our aim is to sell fresh fruit, which opened the first international site in Morocco, targeting we have from the end of May until sometime in mid-June”. markets in Asia and europe. Today they have six sites in During the question and answer session at the end of the Morocco with 182ha of blueberries. presentation it was stressed that more homework needs to be Back in 2010, there was very little blueberry production in done with regard to varieties for the fresh market. Morocco. This year’s production is forecast to reach around experience in Poland suggests that 30-40% of all available 5,000 tonnes, and by 2022 it is envisaged that this figure will varieties are potentially good for fresh sales, but in europe you more than double. “The future in Morocco is to produce only get one chance to get it right. Yields of 10 tonnes/ha are between 12,000 and 15,000 tonnes/year,” Peter said. The possible, but no-one really knows the potential of the crop. future could also see the firm target Middle eastern and The final session, entitled ‘New international sources of russian markets. berry supply’, was dominated by an interesting presentation with a population heading towards 1.5 billion, the by the current president of the international Blueberry company has long seen China as a huge potential market. organisation, Peter McPherson. Peter is also general however, it has never been able to find the right partner. in manager for the berry category at Australian produce 2015, they planted 25ha of berries in China, followed by company Costa Group, and his presentation was about this 100ha of blueberries near the Burmese border. “i will be company. disappointed if we do not have 1000ha of blueberries in Costa’s berries, including blueberries, strawberries, China by 2023,” he added. Looking ahead to the next raspberries and blackberries, are distributed and sold under opportunities, future growth will not come from China alone. the Driscoll’s brand in Australia. Driscoll’s figures reveal that Peter’s final Powerpoint slide revealed that the company is the total Australian berry sector is currently worth over uS $1 seeking to establish blueberry production in South America billion/year, of which 70% is sold through the supermarkets, and sub-Saharan Africa. Blueberries from South America will blueberries accounting for around 30%. be aimed at the North American and european markets, Peter outlined Costa’s 32-year journey that started from while African production appears to be aimed at europe and scratch with blueberries in the 1980s on 1000ha of scrubland possibly russia. midway between Sydney and Brisbane. The expansion finally, during the question and answer session india was started before the turn of the century, and today sites in North suggested as a potential market. “we have had a look at it,” west Queensland, western Australia and Tasmania allow the said Peter, “but it is going to be a rough ride. india is not company to supply blueberries for 52 weeks of the year. such an easy place to do business or to get paid. however, “Australia is the only continent where this is possible,” he we plan to have a crack at it and i am sure we will get there. said, “and this is crucial for us.” for now, though, the number one priority is China.” ◆

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F f ruit Show AGM F 15 National Fruit Show leads from the front Joanna wood reports from the AGM of the Marden fruit Show Society

he rt. hon. Michael Jack, President of the Marden fruit Show Society, summarised the role of the National fruit TShow as the three ‘e’s: engage, educate and enlarge. he praised the evident professionalism of the trade show and all the post-Show activities in London and Defra. “fruit growing needs to promote itself and to engage government in our industry,” he said.

on 25 & 26 october. for 2017 NP Seymour Ltd joins the major sponsors, replacing the iCA Group, and there will be an extended ‘village’ area for smaller stands in the John hendry Pavilion with more space, as the Show Dinner is moving to the Clive emson Conference Centre. Sarah stressed that the new five-year business plan had a

education for primary schools was being ably addressed by the Society’s education Programme, but Michael stressed that education was not just for young people and that the Show also has a much wider role in educating consumers, maintaining and opening channels to european neighbours and, particularly, to get the message out to legislators and decision-makers. Now is the time to pinpoint the post-Brexit needs of the industry - in a few years it will too late. Michael stressed that uncertainty over the future of producer organisations (Pos) means that a case must be made now that the public’s money should go to Pos after 2020. The importance of the flow of labour must be stressed as, “in reality, we need hands to do most of the jobs. Bluntly, we don’t have enough people in the uK to do these jobs – without eastern europeans there would be no top-fruit or horticultural industry.” finally, ‘enlarge’ sends the message that the top-fruit industry can’t just tread water, it must enlarge and strive for the 50% self-sufficiency target set three years ago.

Chairman’s report The Society’s Chairman Sarah Calcutt, now in her eighth year of office, reporting on the Show itself, said, “every year we grow, bookings are going very well with more new exhibitors (the 2017 Show is 70% booked) and with more non-uK exhibitors”. The 84th Show will be a week later than last year

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combine fun with learning. They are tailored to complement what is being taught in the classroom, whether the focus is on science - the lifecycle of the apple tree, geography - where our food comes from, or healthy eating - fruit is good for you. Children are given the opportunity to taste British fruit when it is in season, and there are plans to add soft fruit this year; out of season they try snacks such as apple crisps and fruit leathers. The children can also try making their own apple juice and, if the school has a garden, there is the option to plant an apple tree, supplied by frank P. Matthews Ltd, with advice on how to prune and look after it. All the children receive a comic, colouring sheet and a “i tried an apple today” sticker together with a ‘Parent Pack’ leaflet to take home to show family and friends.

strategy of making the Society a “modern voice for the Long Term Farm Stored Competition horticultural sector”. The intention was to make the Show more Dr Martin Luton, looking back over his long career in the fruit of a hub for the industry and to use it to raise the profile of growing industry, was blunt as usual. introducing his summary home-grown fruit, coinciding with the launch of the marketing of the Long Term farm Stored Competition Martin said, “i season. The new Show website offers online booking and would not go into fruit growing now – it is too daunting – there assistance with the health and safety and insurance are more demands on you as growers.” paperwork. he went on to say that “the climate has changed” and he The Bonanza Prize this year will be sponsored by Greenyard considers that red-coloured clones of apple are the only way (formerly univeg). Monica Todd of Greenyard introduced the forward. “You need to produce 35-45 tonne/ha of Class 1 company – a global player in fruit and vegetables and active in all sectors – fresh, frozen and canned - before describing this year’s Prize. The winner from amongst this year’s fruit competition winners will enjoy a trip to South Africa for two people. This will include return flights and four nights’ accommodation to be hosted by Greenyard, visiting their farms in the western Cape.

Education Programme The Apple world education programme offers excellent fully- subsidised primary school workshops that are integrated with the National Curriculum for 6 to 10-year-olds and tick all the ofsted boxes. The greatest challenge facing the programme is to contact the right decision-maker in a school to make them aware of this fantastic opportunity. Sarah Calcutt said that at present they cannot recruit enough schools and help was needed from anyone supermarket quality. he continued “Apples are biennial - even in the industry with contacts with their local school(s). years like 2016 are ‘off’ years and odd years like 2015 are ‘on’ once a school has had a visit they book a repeat, and feedback years. only the top 10% of growers are growing the target is brilliant at 98% positive. The primary schools in Kent and yields every year”. for Gala, Martin said that the trend of the London are not the only target as education officer Sam Smith is demands from supermarket apple buyers is for increased also contacting the home-schooling network in the county and firmness, greenish background and increased colour. he Brownie and Cub Scout groups. increasing the number of London considers that the industry should remember that Cox is a schools included in the programme is also a target for next year. mid-season variety suitable for December and January Sam is looking for help with this and for about 30 volunteers from marketing, but not beyond. The use of Smartfresh has the industry to come along with her to schools next year. Sam can extended this season, but it cannot prevent internal problems be contacted by email at [email protected] or in late-stored fruit. telephone 01622 749582. Ashley Bournes of Adrian Scripps Ltd won the ron Tassell The programme is financially supported by AC Goatham & Son, Trophy for the store operator with the Best All round exhibit Avalon Produce Ltd and Tesco, with Loddington farm supporting and Paul holman of fw Mansfield and Son picked up the most through Sam Smith. The free workshops, designed for Key Stage silverware and prizes. The other big winner of prizes was 2 children, use colourful characters and hands-on activities, and Jeremy Lendon of Newmafruit farms Ltd.

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National Fruit Show 2017 Long Term Farm Stored Competition prizewinners

CLASS 22 – GALA or any sport thereof 1st Newmafruit Farms Ltd, howfield farm, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent. Landseer Prize for the Store Operator – Jeremy Lendon 2nd FW Mansfield & Son, Nickle farm, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent.

CLASS 23 - BRAMLEY The John Wills Award for Long Term Stored Bramley 1st F W Mansfield & Son, Nickle farm, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent. Landseer Prize for the Store Operator – Paul Holman English Apples and Pears Ltd 2nd Simon Bray, Monks farm, Norton, Sittingbourne, Stephen Munday, Ceo of english Apples and Pears Ltd Kent. (eAP), has spearheaded a revolution rather than an evolution 3rd Adrian Scripps Ltd, Moat farm, five oak Green, since he took over last autumn, in a difficult season in which to Tonbridge, Kent. take on the industry. he considers that there is an increased interest in British apples amongst consumers following the eu CLASS 24 - Any other variety dessert apple, except referendum, but we cannot be complacent when imported Cox or any sport thereof varieties like Pink Lady go from strength to strength and have a 1st Adrian Scripps Ltd, Moat farm, five oak Green, huge promotional budget. Stephen considers that consumer Tonbridge, Kent. standards are still rising and they expect consistency. The total Landseer Prize for the Store Operator – Ashley cumulative marketed tonnage by 5 March 2017 was 107,921 Bournes tonnes. 2nd F W Mansfield & Son, Nickle farm, Chartham, eAP has not previously had an annual plan, but it will now, Canterbury, Kent. and eAP members were given the results of a SwoT 3rd J L Baxter & Son, Amsbury farm, east Street, hunton, Maidstone, Kent.

CLASS 25 – COX or any sport thereof The Trophy is presented by Marks and Spencer. 1st F W Mansfield & Son, Nickle farm, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent. Landseer Prize for the Store Operator – Paul Holman 2nd Newmafruit Farms Ltd, howfield farm, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent. 3rd J L Baxter & Son, Amsbury farm, east Street, hunton, Maidstone, Kent.

CLASS 26 – PEARS The prize money and prize for this class is sponsored by Wealden AM. analysis and updated on changes at the recent eAP AGM. 1st F W Mansfield & Son, Nickle farm, Chartham, The organisation will adopt a ‘best value’ consideration for Canterbury, Kent. any decisions. As part of this restructure, there will be a Landseer Prize for the Store Operator – Paul holman. simple marketing plan with one Pr agency employed for all 2nd Newmafruit Farms Ltd, howfield farm, Chartham, promotional campaigns, and richmond Towers, a well- Canterbury, Kent. established agency, has been appointed. There will be a 3rd J L Baxter & Son, Amsbury farm, east Street, hunton, move away from passive generic statements to an Maidstone Kent. ‘ownable’ active statement that promotes quality, so ‘Love British Apples’ becomes ‘Great British Apples - a healthy RON TASSELL TROPHY - Store Operator of the Best tasting snack’. ◆ All Round Exhibit - awarded to Ashley Bournes

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F Vineyard w eed Control F 18 weed control in uK vineyards ontrolling weeds in vineyards is a ‘Cinderella’ aspect of commercial Cgrape production, according to specialist agronomist Chris Cooper, who is not only one of the vine experts at hutchinsons, but is also the technical advisor for the united Kingdom Vineyard Association (uKVA). he explains that there is no single best practice, but good site preparation pre- planting is essential, or your vineyard may end up disastrously flooded. Chris goes on to outline the two main methods of floor management, or weed control, in vineyards.

Planting a cover crop in the uK, 97% of all established vineyards have permanent herbage strips and, very occasionally, an odd semi-permanent strip, between the rows of vines. The cover crop is Companies such as British Seed houses, Cotswolds Seeds and generally grass and this reduces soil erosion, minimises soil oliver’s Seeds can supply more information on seed mixes. compaction and suppresses aggressive weeds, and can be These will vary according to uK location, soil-type and grower further routinely mowed. Cover crops also increase the porosity objectives. of the soil, allowing more air availability to vine roots and better flow of water and nutrients through the soil, due to enhanced Creating a weed-free area of 0.5m to 1m wide infiltration. They also limit mud-splash onto the fruit, and habitat directly under the vine row biodiversity is improved, allowing areas where useful beneficial This second technique ensures that it is only the vines that can wildlife can potentially thrive. grow. The advantages are: a reduction in nutrient competition Chris says that some viticulturists will develop the cover crop from weeds, thus maximising vine growth, that is particularly systems further by using slow-growing grass mixes, thus important in the establishment years; enhancement of airflow reducing the time spent mowing, and/or adding low levels of through the leaf canopy; a reduction in disease risk; and an legumes such as vetches or clovers to the mix, thus fixing increase in radiant heat from the soil back to the vine. Although nitrogen, and/or planting occasional alleys with wildflower mixes. the increase in radiant heat isn’t large, as the uK is close to the northern edge of the area where vines can be grown commercially, any help from nature is very welcome! There are generally three methods of achieving a weed-free strip under the vine, explains Chris: a. herbicide application b. Cultivation c. Mulching

Herbicides Currently there are two residual herbicides approved for use on outdoor-grown wine grapes. firstly, flexidor (isoxaben), that needs a partner product and is due to undergo re-registration soon, when it will lose its wine grape approval in the uK, and secondly, Kerb (propyzamide), that must be applied between october and the end of January. for total weed control using contact herbicides, diquat has now got a final date for uK use, in 2019. Glyphosate is under

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review and roundup Biactive is being re-registered in the uK, material and minimum holding time and temperature, so but the eAMu for wine grapes will be lost in 2018. however, effectively pasteurising the compost. The better suppliers will roundup PowerMax is fully approved for use on wine grapes. provide a batch analysis of the nutrients contained within the for more specific contact herbicides there is fusilade Max compost. There is a 50 tonne/ha annual limit and waste (fluazifop-P-butyl) that will control certain grass weeds and Shark exemption licences must be obtained from the environment (carfentrazone) that will control a narrow spectrum of weeds. its Agency. Alternatively, there is green waste from anaerobic primary use is as a desiccant for grapevine ‘water shoot’ control. digesters. This is like green waste but requires a PAS110 minimum standard, but otherwise the process is the same. Cultivation At present growers in the uK adopt a combination of these Mechanical hoeing is gaining popularity in vineyards, and its methods, but as the uK wine grape industry develops and key advantage is that the regulatory authority cannot withdraw expands, there will be further modifications and integration of this method of weed control. it is effective, particularly on level these techniques, says Chris Cooper. “As a company surfaces, but on slopes it runs the risk of increasing soil erosion, hutchinsons has a wealth of experience and expertise in vine and if it rains soon after the cultivations are finished, weeds can growing.” ◆ re-root. regular, routine cultivations are required in season, with their environmental and cost associations.

Mulching Synthetic mulches are normally plastic, either perforated, such as Mypex, or unperforated, such as sheets of uV-stabilised polythene. Mypex is the Horticultural specialists relatively expensive, but allows water to WWoorking with growers for over 75 years, infiltrate and, if required, granular Hutchinsons remains a family business offffering specialist Horticultural agrroonomy advice and fertiliser can penetrate into the rooting inputs, together with a comprehensive range of zone. packaging materials for the fresh produce industry. Professionalism is coupled with a total commitment Solid plastic sheeting is cheaper, but [email protected] to customer service. www.producepackaging.co.uk water can build up in the soil below, With a highly experienced Horticultural especially if it wasn’t in great condition agronomist team and dedicated Produce Packaging division to start with. it keeps the soil cold and covering the whole country, more anaerobic than is ideal, with the we have all the advice you want and all the inputs you need, consequence of making aeration and TURRIFF just a phone call away. fertiliser application difficult. however, it’’ss our peopllee tthhaatt FORFAR biodegradable plastics are being developed and are already in use for makkee tthhe difffferreenccee certain crops, but are a few years away SCOTLAND Forfar: (01307) 460944 for vines, reports Chris Cooper. MONKTON ALNWICK

with mulches, weeds and grass can CARLISLE encroach from the alleys, eventually PRODUCE PPAACKAAGING Spalding: (01775) 710066

matting over the plastic, that will WETHERBY

SELBY degrade due to environmental and/or EAST ANGLIA ORMSKIRK WEST MIDLANDS Wisbech: mechanical damage, leading to /SOUTH WEST DORRINGTON (01945) 461177 Ledbury: (01531) 631131 SPPAALDING patches of weeds and shredded EAST SHREWSBURRYY WISBECH HARLING polythene. The grass and weeds will SOHAM SOUTH EAST NEEDHAM Canterbury: MARKET then need to be chemically controlled LEDBURYRY YBANBUR (01227) 830064 with the polythene being removed, and CANTERBURY DEVIZES MARDEN pieces of plastic blowing around are not H L Hutchinson Limited • Weasenham Lane isbechW • Cambridgeshire PE13 2RN environmentally acceptable. TeTel: 01945 4661177 TRURO organic mulches can be used, and PRODUCE PPAACKAGING f: 01945 474837 • e: [email protected] Marden: (01622) 831423 green waste is the most common and is widely available. ideally, this should www.hlhltd.co.uk be made to the PAS100 standard that sets minimum standards for extraneous

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F u nder 40s f ruit Growers F 20 under 40s fruit Growers Conference 2017 – South Africa John Guest reports

n 27 february the 55 delegates to the under 40s fruit Growers Conference 2017 arrived in Cape Town ofollowing an overnight flight from London. Shortly after, the group set off to visit Zetlers Strawberry farm in Stellenbosch. Zetlers grow strawberries in both soil and artificial substrates. The business was started by Sam Zetler who arrived in South Africa in the early 1900s establishing S. Zetler & Sons, later becoming known as wynland Boerdery. firstly, the group saw the bed-making process for soil- grown strawberries. A machine forms the beds, and then a second machine lays the irrigation pipes and black plastic mulch in one single operation. once formed, the beds are

This puts pressure on growers to maximise production on their existing land. The polytunnels are spaced to maximise the number of rows and plants per row. A plant density of 56,000 plants/ha in the soil, planted in six rows in a 7.5m tunnel, is raised to 85,000 plants/ha in a growbag system that has about 10 plants/metre. Leslie Zetler said that varieties from florida and California worked well in the region and the premium variety Sabrosa commands a 10% higher price, but has a slightly lower yield. each Sabrosa plant produces about 800g of fruit. The fruit of this variety is very large at the start of the season, but becomes smaller towards the end of cropping. fumigated 21 days before the planting date via the irrigation Leslie said that he targets later production and hence the system, with the fumigant filtering from the irrigation pipes into visitors saw cropping areas in preparation rather than seeing the soil around the area where the strawberry plants will take plants and fruit. The plants are sourced as bare-root plants root. once planted the first pick comes 55 to 60 days later. from Ceres, that is 200km distant and at 1,200m above sea Land is expensive in this region - probably the most level, and as plugs from George, 400km distant and nearer to expensive in the country. Land with available water sea level. commands prices from 0.5m to 1.0m rand/ha (£30,000/ha The nutrient feed is a standard mix of eight bags of calcium to £60,000/ha), the prices being driven up by wealthy nitrate in 2,000 litres of water, and in the field the mixing rate individuals from outside farming seeking ‘lifestyle’ farms. with water is computer-controlled at the point of injection into the system. water availability and quality is critical, and Leslie told delegates that he currently has sufficient water, but if the continuing year-on-year dry weather pattern continues, this will become an issue. The water flowing from the rivers carries many pathogens, and one in particular - Phytophthora fragariae (red Core) - requires extensive filtration to remove it. once it gets into the soil the pathogen spreads like wildfire to neighbouring soil and plants. with a strong market for strawberries in South Africa, Leslie extolled the virtues of the multiple retailer woolworths and their distribution system. 60% of Zetlers strawberries are sold in Johannesburg.

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Haygrove Heaven Africa, to produce fruit for export to the uK. haygrove’s on 1st March the group visited haygrove heaven, that is access to emerging new varieties from Driscolls, as a just one of several sites in South Africa where haygrove member of Berry Gardens, paved the way for growing and grows raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, exporting high quality soft fruit to uK supermarkets. all in artificial substrates. haygrove heaven was the first Sean found locating an ideal site to be difficult, but when haygrove farm in South Africa and is situated in the beautiful attending a wedding in hemel-en-Aarde Valley realised that hemel-en-Aarde Valley near hermanus. this could be the place to set up the first production site. At that time the farm was producing apples, but over the next few years Sean and his team set about turning it into a soft fruit production and packing site. A unique micro-climate, proximity to the ocean, summers 5C to 6C cooler than other areas of the western Cape, and ready accessibility to an airport, made it an ideal location. The hermanus region also produces quality wines - a further indicator of the potential for soft fruit production. Sean is now responsible for running all haygrove’s businesses in South Africa. in leading the u40s tour of haygrove heaven, Sean was assisted by Sarah Kerrich- walker, responsible for sales, Coen Groenewald, production director, and herman de wet, production manager. The first planting at haygrove heaven took place in the soil The delegates’ host at haygrove was Sean Tager, who left in 2002 with 1ha of raspberries and in 2004 the first his native South Africa in 1998 and worked as a student at commercial exports to M&S in the uK began. Sean said that the haygrove farm in Ledbury, uK for two years. Sean and it took about three years to find their feet – an expensive Angus Davison of haygrove explored the possibility of learning curve. working together to set up a soft fruit production unit in South

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heaven and haygrove earth, while haygrove eden adds a initially sales were dependent on exports, but an further 73ha and the remaining 14ha of production is at opportunity to buy a bankrupt strawberry production farm at haygrove Amajuba. Soil has been replaced by substrates as George in 2010 opened a new market for haygrove, with the growing medium and pots rather than bags have become sales in South Africa becoming a target. The site at George is the chosen growing system. Sean said that over the last five now named haygrove eden and here ‘things grow better’ years there has been a step-change, with raspberries sales showing a 30% increase in raspberry yield, partly due to year- increasing by 24% in the uK in 2016, Victoria blackberries round rainfall and higher winter chill. George is set to see increasing rapidly and blueberries showing a 26% increase in most of haygrove’s expansion in South Africa, with a plan to uK sales. grow from 187ha to 366ha. The expansion is being driven by blueberries and blackberries. Production seasons haygrove acquired the Volksrust site in 2014. This was Blackberries are produced from November to March and developed with the industrial Development Corporation that raspberries almost year-round with two peaks - in December was a South African Government job-creation enterprise that with floricane varieties and in february to April with primocane varieties. The market for raspberries in South Africa is small, but in the summer 850 tonnes/week are shipped to the uK. Blueberry production is in September to November, and strawberries are produced from November to May.

Competition New technology and varieties have enabled increased soft fruit production in Morocco, with 350ha to 400ha competing with South Africa, that depends on airfreight to europe, while Morocco benefits from a proximity to markets in europe serviced by road transport. haygrove has responded by increasing production of blueberries and Victoria blackberries. whilst producing raspberries in South Africa for export has been very good, the exponential growth seen over the last attempted to overcome 25% unemployment, but ran out of money after spending 80 million rand (about £5.5 million), having suffered from a lack of production and marketing expertise. The site is now named haygrove Amajuba. The 187ha combination of haygrove heaven and haygrove earth, just 7km apart at hermanus, haygrove eden and haygrove Amajuba produces 2,500 tonnes of fruit and employs 605 permanent staff and 2,000 or more seasonal workers. Production is currently dominated by 106ha of Maravilla raspberries, representing 58% of total fruit production, 60ha of blueberries, 12ha of strawberries and 9ha of Victoria blackberries. 100ha of the total production comes from haygrove

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F u nder 40s f ruit Growers F 23

September to November, to take advantage of the shortage of supplies to europe. The visitors observed potted blueberries planted in July 2015 in peat, coir and perlite in 25 litre pots that had grown for about a year before producing about 10 tonnes/ha. Blueberry production is all about good drainage and air movement within the substrate. By comparison, blueberries grown in soil achieve 2.5 tonne/ha in the first year, 5 tonne/ha in the second year, 10 tonne/ha in the third year, and potentially 15 tonne/ha in the fourth year. Growing in soil can be very challenging because of soil-borne pests and diseases, and the use of pots has improved the control of Phytophthora cinnamomi - a ubiquitous pathogen in blueberries - creating a barrier between the substrate and the ground beneath the pots. 10-15 years is just about finished, and competition from major investors within South Africa is a significant factor. The future Challenges The implications of Brexit are high on the agenda. rising costs, partly due to increases in South African wages, are not wind is the main challenge for soft fruit production, so matched by price inflation in the uK, and the current exchange windbreaks and netting are used to reduce its impact. rate doesn’t help. Sean said, “we are hoping for price inflation obtaining quality plants has been an issue, but this is being in the uK, as an anticipated consequence of the falling addressed in collaboration with a new laboratory at George, currency value”. using tissue culture to create new certified plants from modest quantities of imported plants. The laboratory is a registered Hillcrest Berries quarantine area enabling the creation of new plants. Sean said that they can only import ten plants from the uK at one time, The final visit to a soft fruit enterprise took the u40s group to but these will produce 100,000 plants that will then be used as hillcrest Berries, situated between Stellenbosch and mother plants. The challenge is to create true-to-type mother franschhoek on a hillside and consequently not the easiest of plants that will produce large numbers of plants for the plots to farm. however, the business produces an incredible production sites. Currently two million plants are being range of soft fruit varieties and has its own jam factory. produced annually. Bought by raymond and Betty o’Grady in 1989, with a desire to grow a few berries and make some jam, the business Winter chill has grown from a small hobby farm into a popular source of fresh and processed berries. hillcrest Berries offers a The lack of winter chill in the hermanus region presents a comprehensive range of fresh, frozen and processed berries. challenge - raspberries need 700-800 units and blackberries The jam factory is effectively a large-scale home-made jam 1,000. The Amajuba site is much better for blackberries, and kitchen, with pots and pans boiling with delicious sweet cold storage is used to increase chill and spread the raspberry smelling berries, tended by a team of ladies. Before leaving, cropping cycles. the u40s group presented Betty o’Grady with a The blueberries grown are low-chill varieties, as hermanus commemorative memento of their visit. ◆ and George have only 200-300 chill units. The southern highbush varieties grown at haygrove are Star, Driscoll’s Stella Blue, and Costa varieties from Australia. Cropping is from

The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:04 Page 24

F Biostimulants F 24 Positive results for biostimulant in fruit crops

e are waiting with bated breath, but with deal of difference considerable excitement, to fully assess the when it comes to “wbenefits of the bio-stimulant Cultigrow CBL on profitability.” fruit in the uK”, says agronomist Nigel Kitney, who is one of Nigel reports that the fruit experts at hutchinsons. he explains that for two in trials in 2016 at years he has personally worked with Cultigrow and has seen the Polish National good results in apples and cherries. Pomology research The product seems to have a cumulative effect over Centre, with the seasons, as orchards treated last year appear to be healthier, apple variety with better leaf numbers and colour. “we had some trees Jonaprince, yield suffering from phytophthora root rot, which were treated with per tree was this biostimulant, and the following year we couldn’t identify increased from 26kg which ones had been suffering from the disease,” says Nigel. in the untreated up he explains that Cultigrow was developed in South Africa to 36.5kg when and has been used in this country and in Australia for a few treated with Cultigrow. years now. “its active ingredient is based on the oil of bitter “The mean fruit weight also increased from 263g in the oranges, which is high in flavonoids. These chemicals appear untreated to 283g in the treated. Leaf area was also to improve rooting and consequently other benefits accrue, measured and this went from 37.8 sq.cm in the untreated to such as improved health, reduced disease pressure, and 39.3 sq.cm in the treated. other quality criteria such as improved yield. i have seen it consistently improve the red malic acid, Brix, concentration of liquids in the flesh, coloration of apples and improve yield too. on average the firmness, polyphenols in the flesh and peel, were also yield increase i have consistently seen is around 10 per cent. measured and increased a small amount. The Pomology This is difficult to see with the naked eye but it makes a good research Centre has also done trials on two cherry varieties and reports yield increases of 12 per cent and 17 per cent.” Nigel Kitney is pleased to see these detailed and positive results and hopes to add to them this year. “we are looking at a trial where we are comparing untreated trees with trees treated with Cultigrow in one year and those treated for two years running, so that we can assess any cumulative effects. we are also looking at its effects on fruit-set. one of my cherry growers has been amazed by Cultigrow’s positive Energy
efficientcoolingsystems… effects on his fruit-set.” Nigel warns that the biostimulant is a ‘slow-burn’. “it is usually applied in the week of petal fall with three Rapidin
linecoolingtunnels applications at one-month intervals. You don’t see much in Rapidhighhumiditycoolingplenums the first six weeks but then you can notice larger and Secondaryglycolsystems greener leaves. At harvest, you will notice better red coloration on the fruit and maybe increased fruit size,” he Dynamiccontrolledatmospherestorage said. Naturalrefrigerants Dr Angela Berrie of NiAB eMr has been working with Ripeningrooms Cultigrow on apples, and on blackcurrants and strawberries, and has been interested in its activity. in one reported trial for Turnkeytotalfacilitydesign&buildprojects the Sceptre project last year, Cultigrow helped reduce powdery mildew infection in strawberries from 28.5% to …tomaxmisethefruitsofyour 17.7%. “hutchinsons has a wealth of experience and expertise in labour fruit growing. we are one of the two distributors of Cultigrow CBL in the uK and are investing time and money in field trials of such products to prove their value to growers. JDCoolingSystems    King’sLynn:01553
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F Biostimulants F 25 why use a biostimulant? by rob Cannings of Plant health Care

he science of plant biostimulation has recently advanced infects a plant. when detected, a warning signal is transmitted and will be fully recognised in new fertiliser regulations throughout the plant and turns on the plant’s intrinsic ability to Tcurrently under development. These new rules will show protect itself by boosting both growth and physiological a clear differentiation between nutrients and products such as changes to reduce the effects of stress and pathogens. biostimulants that aid the uptake and movement of nutrients in once triggered, at least 124 plant genes involved in plant- plants. growth-enhancement are switched on, triggering differing Crop biostimulation is complementary to crop nutrition and biological and biochemical responses, depending on the stage of protection, by fostering growth and development throughout plant-development. A young plant in flower will respond differently the crop lifecycle from seed germination to plant maturity. to a plant bearing fruit. The harpin αβ protein binds to a specific Biostimulants can be distinguished from traditional crop receptor on the cell surface, causing a change in the calcium fertilisers as they operate through different mechanisms, concentration within the cells, resulting in a systemic response to regardless of the presence of nutrients in the products. the external application of harpin αβ and an increased growth Biostimulants also differ from crop protection products as they response a few days later, through cell division, nutrient transport act only on the plant’s vigour and do not have any direct around the plant, and increasing photosynthesis. actions against pests or diseases. harpin αβ has been extensively trialled around the world and can be used at different stages of fruit production with the The Harpin αβ protein following benefits: harpin αβ proteins are a class of non-toxic proteins • improved efficiency of the plant’s metabolism, to increase discovered in 1991 and derived from naturally-occurring micro- vegetative growth and yield. organisms that activate specific signalling receptors present in • increased plant tolerance to, and recovery from, natural all plants. These receptors are usually triggered as a disease stresses. • resistance to water stress. • improved nutrient assimilation, translocation and use. • increased calcium uptake from roots. • enhanced sugar content (Brix) and colour, and improved fruit skin quality • Prevention of fruit splitting and reduced respiration during storage. • increased shelf-life • reduced post-harvest damage it is important to get the timing of micronutrient applications right, especially if there is a sudden increase in the growth rate. The application of harpin αβ increases photosynthesis and, therefore, it is important to maintain adequate supplies of the essential micro-nutrients iron, manganese, zinc and copper.

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The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:04 Page 26

F r esearch Briefing F 26

research Briefing by Dr David Pennell Non-destructive prediction of soluble solids and dry matter content in sweet cherries Near infrared spectroscopy (Nir) models developed in the as assessed by consumers. spectral region between 729nm and 975nm for a handheld Considering the importance instrument have been demonstrated to be accurate, robust of the sensory evaluation of and versatile for the rapid and non-destructive evaluation of dry matter content, as well soluble solids and dry matter content in sweet cherries at two as soluble solids, for the different temperatures – 0C and 23C - in work at university of eating quality of sweet California in collaboration with felix instruments (Postharvest cherry, the use of handheld Biology and Technology). Previous work has developed Nir devices, that are rapid, models for apple, pear and grape. lightweight and user-friendly, should be considered for routine, external validation of the models demonstrated that they non-destructive analysis of sweet cherry quality. could be confidently used for Chelan and Bing sweet cherries, for both soluble solids and dry matter. Consumer preference effects of hop Stunt Viroid on evaluation for sweet cherries with differing soluble solids (16.38 to 28.45) and dry matter content (17.67% to 31.62%) revealed vegetative growth and yield of hops higher acceptance by consumers for cherries with high dry hop Stunt Viroid is an economically important pathogen that matter content as well as for cherries with high soluble solids. reduces the growth and yield of hops, with visual symptoms of Dry matter content was equal to, or superior to, soluble solids infection highly dependent on variety. A study carried out in for predicting flavour intensity and balance of sweet/sour taste, washington State, uSA using six hop cultivars, aimed to determine the impact of infection on yield (Plant Disease). Average dry cone yields of infected Glacier, Cascade, and willamette were reduced by 62%, 14% and 34% respectively, relative to non-inoculated healthy plants. No significant yield reduction was observed for Nugget, Columbus and Galena. Growth parameters of willamette and Nugget were measured PreTTeect in the final year of the study; internode length, shoot length and side-arm length were reduced by 29%, 26% and 73% respectively, for infected willamette bines relative to non- Classified as a plant health promoter infected bines. No effects were observed resulting from the rather than a pesticide, PreTect contains infection of Nugget. To understand the current potential impact the protein Harpin αβ. of hop Stunt Viroid, a survey was conducted to determine its distribution in central washington that revealed that 17% of Improves resistance ~ hop plants tested are infected. hop yield and hop plant to disease and fruit Effect of 110mm rain on unsprayed longevity are significantly affected by this level of infection. cracking trees - 55% of ~ NO harvest interval fruits cracked Minimal pruning of grapevines ~ NO hazard to bees or Effect of 110mm Minimal pruning is used to reduce labour costs and produce other beneficials rain on trees sprayed with high-quality wine grapes, and Spanish researchers have evaluated NO MRL concerns ~ PreTect - 2.5% of its effects on grapes (American Journal of Enology and fruits cracked ~ NO user safety issues Viticulture). for each vintage between 1999 and 2013, yield and total soluble solids (TSS) were evaluated, and in 2014 and 2015, grapes were For more information, please contact FFAAST on analyzed at 22 Brix to assess any effects on fruit maturation and 01795 533225 or email us [email protected] quality. The long-term study showed that minimally-pruned vines Fruit Advisory Services Team LLP | Crop Technology Centre | Faversham | Kent ME13 8XZ had increased yield by 56% and reduced total soluble solids by t: +44 (0) 1795 533225 @fastllp e: [email protected] w: www.fastllp.com 9%, when compared to conventionally hand-pruned vines. results from 2014 and 2015 demonstrated that minimally-pruned vines www.thefruitgrower.co.uk The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:04 Page 27

F r esearch Briefing F 27

delayed fruit maturity (22 Brix) by about 17 days. At the same total Coated pears showed slower ripening than the non-coated soluble solids level (22 Brix), minimally-pruned vines had 24% samples, indicated by unaffected green skin colour and inhibited lower berry weight, 57% lower cluster weight, and 51% greater loss of firmness. unfortunately, the coating induced anaerobic yield. Must from minimally-pruned vine fruit had greater total respiration and the symptoms of superficial scald in pears. anthocyanin concentrations when compared to must from overall, the results showed that potassium sorbate can be conventionally hand-pruned fruit (17% greater in 2014 and 21% added into a coating formulation to control fungal growth, but greater in 2015). however, potential improvements in wine colour CMC-based emulsion is not a suitable carrier for potassium were more likely to be due to smaller berry size than to greater sorbate, when the coating is to be applied to pears exposed to anthocyanin synthesis per unit area of berry skin. These results post-harvest cold storage. indicate that minimally-pruned vines can delay berry ripening and may help to improve wine colour. Can nutritional status of apple trees be The effect of potassium sorbate determined by early season leaf analysis? Studies in Turkey have investigated whether the nutritional coatings on pear fruit status of apple trees can be predicted during the early stages Polish researchers in Lublin have studied the efficacy of a of growth by leaf analysis (Journal of Plant Nutrition). coating comprising carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), candelilla 150 apple orchards were assessed with leaf samples that wax and potassium sorbate as a post-cold-storage treatment to were collected at six different stages of growth, and levels of prevent fungal infections in pears stored under simulated retail nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, display conditions, together with the effect of the coating on the copper, zinc, manganese and boron were determined. physiology and biochemistry of pears (Scientia Horticulturae). Significant correlations were found between the sixth period The coating was effective against Botrytis cinerea and and the previous periods, indicating that leaf analysis can be Monilinia fructigena, whilst rhizopus nigricans was the most used to determine the nutritional status of apples in the early resistant to potassium sorbate. The potassium sorbate-free growth period. Consequently, it was determined that leaf coating also delayed the fungal growth rate, probably due to the analysis can be carried out at any time from the beginning of modification of the gaseous atmosphere within the fruit tissues. vegetative growth for all elements except iron and copper.

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The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:04 Page 28

F Leaf Analysis F 28 The importance of spring leaf analysis by Mark Botting, Laboratory Manager, fAST

Leaf analysis is an essential technique for monitoring nutritional status and for diagnosing nutritional disorders in orchards. During the growing season, leaf nutrient levels rise and fall throughout the phenological growth stages. Traditionally, leaf samples for nutritional monitoring are taken in mid to late August from the middle third of the current year’s extension growth, this being the point where tree growth has stopped and leaf nutrient levels stabilise. however, the quality of the rosette leaves in spring is critical for supplying flowers and fruitlets with sufficient carbohydrates for fruit-set and growth. Low nitrogen results in pale leaves, weak growth, and growth. it is vitally important, therefore, to correct any reddish bark. high nitrogen leads to excessive sappy growth deficiencies by the regular application of a general foliar feed that diverts other nutrients, especially calcium, from the fruit, and specific nutrients identified from a leaf analysis. and will also lead to softer fruit, which is more prone to if the status of orchards is known early in the year, it gives breakdown and rots in store. time to rectify any deficiencies to maximise yield later. Leaf analysis gives a more reliable guide to phosphorus than Sampling is simple and quick to do and will help prevent any soil phosphate analysis, as the uptake from the soil is very nutritional problems showing up later, when the expanding dependent on soil ph and structure, as well as soil fruit and the growing tree put great demands on the tree’s temperature and moisture levels. Low phosphorus levels nutritional status. reduce pollen viability and fruit quality, in terms of firmness, A brief guide to the main nutrient elements storability and shelf-life. and their role in the tree Potassium controls the water movement in the tree and directly affects fruit size, firmness and flavour. excessive • Low nitrogen = poor growth, pale leaves amounts are detrimental, however, as they are antagonistic to • Low phosphorus = low pollen viability, soft fruit, reduced calcium and magnesium uptake and can lead to increased shelf-life breakdown and poorer shelf-life. Trees in modern intensive • Low potassium = small fruit, soft fruit, poor flavour orchards have much lower nutrient resources of nutrients in • Low magnesium = low flower-bud quality and quantity, their trunks and branches, and are more susceptible to low poor leaf, poor sugars potassium levels, that should be corrected immediately. • Low calcium = quicker fruit maturity, low stress tolerance Calcium is an important constituent of cell walls and is • Low manganese = poor nutrient uptake and mobility required for good fruit quality. high levels will also help the tree • Low iron/manganese = poor photosynthesis and to withstand stress and disease, enable fruit to mature more movement of other nutrients slowly and will have no adverse effect, and applications should • Low boron = poor pollen viability and poor calcium continue in the normal spray programme. mobility Magnesium is an essential element of chlorophyll, and low Nitrogen is a vital constituent of proteins and is important for levels will quickly lead to poor leaf and bud quality and will reduce the trees’ efficiency and ability to withstand poor conditions or disease. Sulphur is a structural component of many amino acids and proteins in plants, and is essential in Blueberry-Plants the manufacture of chloroplasts, that conduct photosynthesis. Manganese is an essential constituent of enzymes that are t

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HEINZ CLASEN B low level and excess is very small. Deficiencies must be L S U E CONTAINER-BAUMSCHULEN GMBH E I B E R R corrected to ensure good leaf and fruit quality, but DORFSTRASSE 45 TEL. 0049-4101-55 32 67 [email protected] D-25499 TANGSTEDT FAX 0049-4101-55 32 68 www.clasen-baumschulen.de recommendations should be followed and unnecessary micronutrients should not be applied. ◆

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F Storage Technology F 29 A new name in fruit storage and refrigeration John Guest reports ne of John haffenden’s earliest memories is of helping his father Ken load fruit stores with bushel boxes of apples. it’s a memory that now stretches oback over 50 years and, after talking to the managing director of freshcold about the best way to store top fruit, it’s clear that he has been improving his knowledge ever since. “My dad worked for Norman hunt and Sons, managing The oaks farm in Brenchley, and i used to love helping him. i’m not sure exactly how old i was at the time, but he died when i was 12, so it was a fair while back.“ Losing his father at such a young age has clearly influenced John haffenden’s drive to achieve success. one of his favourite possessions is the magnificent cup presented to Ken haffenden for winning the Paddock wood orchard Spraying Competition in 1960. John was fascinated by fruit and the challenge of keeping it at its best, and has become an expert in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. his fascination was matched by a desire to learn as much as he could about the subject and develop the skills that would allow him to turn an interest into a career, even if it meant staying poor for a year or two longer than his contemporaries. “i left school at 16 and took a job as an apprentice electrician,” he recalled. “As soon as i qualified i started a second apprenticeship, this time as a refrigeration engineer, focusing on control panels and electrical systems. i was 19 and my mates all thought i was mad to take on another apprenticeship rather than earning real money.” his mates, of course, were wrong. After nine years of learning his trade with a specialist fruit storage company, John left at the age of 28 to set up his own business - farm refrigeration Ltd. Before long it was a well-established company with an enviable client list, and John’s reputation was assured. farm refrigeration operated for 28 years until it was crippled by debt, but John wasn’t one to let this stand in his way. Now back as freshcold, he continues to deliver Analytical Service s solutions to growers and packers and to come up with innovative ways of solving problems. FAST provides a range of analysis to help you maintain optimum nutrient levels throughout the growing year for all crop types.

Sampling is easy to do, and our experienced staff are on hand to give you tips on how best to collect samples of leaves, fruitlets, soils or substrates.

So if you’re looking for a leaf analysis on your 3 year old orchard, or a Sap sample for your established vineyard, we can help.

For more information, please contact FFAAST on

01795 533225 or email us [email protected]

Fruit Advisory Services Team LLP | Crop Technology Centre | Faversham | Kent ME13 8XZ t: +44 (0) 1795 533225 @fastllp e: [email protected] w: www.fastllp.com

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F Storage Technology F 30

freshcold’s focus is on helping companies find the best and most cost-effective way of keeping their fruit in top condition for longer – whether that’s through designing or commissioning a whole new cold storage facility or simply providing advice. “it’s great to be asked to take on a new turnkey project, and freshcold has all the resources to do that, but sometimes growers just want a bit of guidance or advice on the best way to solve a specific problem or streamline a particular process,” he said. “if a grower has a problem with a piece of equipment that no-one else has been able to solve, they just need to call and we’ll be delighted to take on the challenge”. while John has clearly built up a reputation for solving problems that has seen his advice sought by many of the big names in fruit growing, he is equally keen to support smaller, independent growers as they seek to reduce costs and improve their efficiency and profitability. “i have grown up with fruit and fruit growers, and i really enjoy working in this industry,” he commented. “i enjoy the challenge of helping a local grower as much as i welcome the opportunity to design a bespoke project for one of the larger players in the industry.” Customers appreciate freshcold’s customer focus and attention to detail, as well as with the fact that the installation does what it needs to do. As Peter Chandler, of Chandler & Dunn Ltd commented: “i was delighted with

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Technical Updates SITEVII 2 710 John’s background and skill-set also mean that he understands the systems he sells. As well as being able to recommend the best solution for any grower’s S e the d ava te, tt tittickkke ettl!s on sale soon! requirements, freshCold can modify systems or even rF uitF .uk.cousoc design new pieces of equipment to meet a specific challenge or improve the way an installation works. “understanding how the technology works, what it does Official Media Partner and how you can make it do the job more efficiently, means that we can talk to the grower about their particular circumstances and specify a system that does the job as * Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 16th July. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other ticket offers. cost-effectively as possible,” he explained. Visit www.fruitfocus.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions. This knowledge allows freshCold to support smaller

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F Storage Technology F 31

efficient as possible, to reduce costs for the grower. The company’s most recent innovation is a chiller defrost system that saves energy and money by storing the heat created by the cooling process and then uses it to defrost the chillers when needed. “The coolers produce completely free heat and this system puts that heat to good use,” said John. This system is included in the specification for work at Clock house farm, at Coxheath near Maidstone, Kent, where freshcold is replacing four 1950s cold stores with an efficient modern facility. freshcold is carrying out the whole project, replacing the old brick stores with three 468-bin CA stores and one chilled air store for soft fruit and late-harvested apples, giving a total of 560 tonnes of efficient, low energy storage. while John is never happier than when facing a challenge, he also has the skills, resources and expertise growers who are keen to keep older systems working as to deliver entire cold store complexes, from design efficiently as possible and who don’t have the resources to through to project management and commissioning. replace everything. “Some older stores just need a bit of “freshcold can deliver a complete package to growers, ‘TLC’ to keep them working as efficiently as possible,” he dairy farmers and others with specialist refrigeration or CA said. That approach is grounded in the fact that all requirements, but can also help growers to solve individual freshcold’s systems are designed to deal with the needs problems, update parts of their installation or modernise of the grower involved. “we don’t supply systems ‘off the control systems,” said John. “we aren’t just about shelf’, so we can just as easily use our experience to look delivering an ‘off-the-shelf’ package. we want growers to after older stores as we can to design a completely new, talk to us about their needs so that we can work with state-of-the-art system.” The aim is to get stores running them to come up with the right solution for their business, as efficiently as possible, with a focus on cost- whether that’s a small modification or something more effectiveness, along with freshcold’s commitment to the fundamental.” ◆ environment and to creating systems that are as energy Classified...Classified...01622 695 656 DRUMS & TANKS ... WANTED ... WANTED ... TROUGHS & POTS .... TROUGHS & POTS .... TROUGHS & POTS

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s Apples "ÀV >À` E 6ˆ˜iÞ>À` P.O. Box 1 2676 ZG - Maasdijk - Netherlands [email protected] Specialist Apple Tree Growers /À>V̜Àà E >V ˆ˜iÀÞ 7i ÃÕ««Þ µÕ>ˆÌÞ vÀÕˆÌ “>V ˆ˜iÀÞ ˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜} ˜>ÀÀœÜ ÌÀ>V̜ÀÃ] “œÜiÀÃ] +150 varieties apple trees grown LÀÕà ÃÜii«Ã] `ˆÀiV̈œ˜> ëÀ>ÞiÀà >˜` Traditional and modern varieties ÀœœÌ «À՘iÀÃ Ì ÀœÕ} ̜ «>VŽ œÕÃi + 30 different cider varieties }À>`ˆ˜} >˜` ÜÀ̈˜} iµÕˆ«“i˜Ì° To advertise here contact Chris Tanton MM106, M25, M9, maidens, feathered trees -«>Ài «>ÀÌà vœÀ “œÃÌ vÀÕˆÌ “>V ˆ˜iÀÞ Plums, gages, Contactpears and mostAdam other fruit trees >˜` >Ãœ «À՘ˆ˜} ̜œÃ° Telephone: 01622 695656 Contract growing °*° -iޓœÕÀ ä£xnä Ç£ÓÓää Email: [email protected] www.adamsappletrees.co.uk 01404 841166, 07535233558 7iL\ ÜÜÜ°˜«ÃiޓœÕÀ°Vœ°ÕŽ [email protected]

The fruiT Grower • MAY 2017 www.thefruitgrower.co.uk FRUIT MAY 2017.qxp_Layout 1 05/05/2017 11:04 Page 32

GRROOWING THRROOUGH INNN VOVAVATAT OI NO AGR VOVISTATA’S TEATUIRF M HAS Our dedicated agronomists are able to ensure EAWA ALTLTH OF ERIEXPE NCE that you maximise your yields of top quality fruit, IN AGRR ONO MY SERVRVIC S,E whilst satisfying the ever more complex demands of legislattion,, protocols and consumer expectation. AGR CCO HEMICAL PRODUCT AS ND Back up this depth of knowledge and expertise CHNTE N OLO OLON GICAL SUPP RORTRT FOR              
    EHT PRROFE ANOSSI L TOP AND gr wo ers can rely on a proffeessional service that is SOFT F TUIR GRORO R.EW second to none in the country.y.

T: 0115 939 0202 F:: 0115 939 80331 wwww.w.agr vista.coo .uk E: enquiries@agr vista.coo .uk