10

Innovating and sustaining quality frozen pea production for the past 10 years This year sees the Green Pea Company reach its tenth anniversary. Over the past ten years, a business built out of the five pea growing groups supplying Birds Eye at Hull, has developed into what is now the biggest fresh pea growing business in the world. Of course that can only happen if your customer, Birds Eye has access to the biggest pea freezing facility in the world.

The combination of these two progressive, forward looking businesses can only have reached this point by developing a close symbiotic relationship. Working to a common goal, to be the world leader in sustainable, cost-effective, high-quality pea production is something the entire membership and workforce of the Green Pea Company and the staff of Birds Eye at Hull are committed to and are rightly proud of. We hope that the following pages help you reflect on what has brought us to this point, and celebrate this unique business which is recognised as leading the industry worldwide.

Geoff Calder, Chairman GPC James Young, Veg Sourcing Director, Nomad Foods 2 3 It was Clarence Birdseye that developed the first “flash freezing” of food products in 1929, but the first UK Birds Eye frozen pea production started seventy years ago in 1946 as domestic freezer ownership developed in modern post-war households. The original Smethurst business based in Grimsby became incorporated within the Birds Eye business and developed across North Lincolnshire with the first Birds Eye pea processing being a static viner based at Low farm, Thornton Curtis. As demand increased in the mid 1950’s, that was replaced by a row of four static viners, in its time a major investment by Birds Eye in order to supply the factory on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby. By the early 1960’s demand had again outstripped capacity and a new site at Riby was developed with an array of eight static viners receiving peas from all over northern Lincolnshire.

Mid season repairs Mid Birds Eye opened the first factory on the north bank on Road in 1967, by now there were two groups supplying in the region of 1,000 acres each to the two utting and loading peas for peas loading for and utting factories. As a modern installation, the Hull factory grew in capacity and the area on the north bank increased to take peas from the original North Ferriby Viners as well as the new groups Walkington Trading Company and Pea Growers. By 1971, there were a total of six groups supplying the Hull factory with Pea Growers, Howdenshire Pea Growers and Holderness Viners being established. 1 With the opening of the Bridge in 1981, the opportunity for Birds Eye to streamline their production facilities meant that the Grimsby factory stopped freezing peas and Hull became the main Birds Eye pea production facility in the UK. With the necessity to achieve the target of freezing peas within 150 minutes of harvest, the geographical limits of pea production was restricted to approximately 40 miles radius around the factory. However, with massive leaps forward in incolnshire in the 00’s 7. in the 00’s incolnshire vining technology such as self propelled harvesters, the reduction of waste and damage along with increased crop recovery, then factory capacity

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7 8 9 railed F M which opened Muirhills back in service back Muirhills 9. T were frozen in 1946 in 1981 8. static viners 4. viners static 1. David Martinson - WB Martinson & Sons Peas 340 Ha - Yokefleet - Wheat, OSR, Peas, Miscanthus

are frozen David Martinson was born at Warwick House in 1944. He went to school at into 1 tonne boxes Gilberdyke before attending Scarborough College, leaving in 1960. David returned which will each home to the family farm, W. B. Martinson & Sons to work alongside his father and brother. The farm was growing winter wheat, spring wheat, spring barley, sugar hold circa 3 beet, potatoes, oats, combing peas, mangolds and turnips as well as cattle and million peas sheep. What was originally a short term plan, developed into a heavy involvement in vining peas when Birds Eye came to in 1967. Earl Longthorpe and Davids father drew a group of farmers and growers together to grow 900 acres of Since 1998 Birds Eye, in close partnership with its growers, has been researching peas with three Birds Eye owned viners together with a company workshop. This the impact of its pea operations in order to identify more sustainable practices. The went on until 1974 when Birds Eye passed the ownership of the viners over to the overall aim is to ensure a sustainable long term supply of peas in a progressively more growers, and Howdenshire Growers was formed. demanding climate of production. A M Borrill and Son Howdenshire Growers bought three trailed viners for £24,000 each, followed by From this work a set of agricultural indicators were established. These formed the another in 1975, covering an area of 1200 acres in total. In some years it was like Peter & Hilary Burton - PD & HA Burton basis of the sustainable agricultural standards which identify practices to support the 660Ha - Hibaldstow - Wheat ,Barley ,OSR, Peas, Sugar Beet, Maize and Rye the proverbial roller coaster, never knowing what each season would bring. The “Commitment to Quality with Sustainability” which are circulated to all growers and pressure was often hard to bare, getting up on a Monday and not hitting bed again 1070Ha - Fridaythorpe - Wheat, Spring and Winter Barley,Vining Peas reviewed regularly. until Thursday night. The standards are complimentary to the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review which is The family have farmed at Slate House Farm, Hibaldstow since 1916 and experienced David has been involved for 40 years as field manager, vice chairman and then Peter & Hilary Burton are the proud owners of Gills Farm, Fridaythorpe, completed by all growers to help raise standards and encourage Integrated Farm many changes over the years including the requisition of a World War 2 airfield slap chairman of Howdenshire Growers, until The Green Pea Company was formed in perched high on the . Management across the whole farm. bang in the middle of the farm! However, frozen peas were not our first foray with Birds 2007. As a grower of around 80 hectares of peas, he has seen many changes over The farm in total covers 2641 acres including 300 acres of dale let for sheep and The most recent development is the establishment of a Trials Board comprising Eye. In the 1970’s brussel sprouts were the crop to grow. The first year was extremely the years, leading to where we are today, a very successful company. cattle grazing and 214 acres let to a neighbour on an FBT. The land is spread be- members of Birds Eye Agricultural Department and the Green Pea Company. The profitable, the second year’s crop broke even and the third probably lost more money tween the main holding of 1300 acres surrounding Gills Farm with the remain- core of its work is to ensure a consistent supply of the highest quality peas produced than was made in the first year! On the bright side it lead to the farm growing peas for der in nearby villages. It is typical grade 3 wold land, the higher fields at 800ft sustainably, efficiently and at a profit. Birds Eye. above sea level not being as productive as the lower lying land. We achieved amazing yields from the 2015 harvest with some wheats coming in at over 5 The light limestone land south of Brigg suits early peas and makes an early start to the tonnes per acre, a first during our 21 years at the farm. harvest. Various break crops have been grown over the years including potatoes and borage but peas remain the stalwart of the current rotation. Typically we grow approx 600 acres of first crop winter wheat, 200 acres of second crop, 300 acres of OSR, 150 acres of winter barley, 380 acres of spring The main crops other than peas on the farm are wheat, barley, rape, sugar beet, forage malting barley and just over 250 acres of vining peas through the Green Pea maize and hybrid rye. The last two being grown to supply the 2.5MW gas to grid Company Gold group under Kate and Terry’s valued support. Peas have replaced Anaerobic Digester plant located on the farm. Other diversification projects include potatoes in our rotation, they free our land much earlier in the season which 80 kw PV, caravan storage and a limestone quarry. suits us, farming at this height.

The farm has some very marginal soils and with the help of the Forum for The rest of the farm complies with our HLS agreement, we have pollen and nec- Sustainable Farming workshops has embraced the options available through the tar sites along with wild bird seed mixes and fallow land. Game cover crops are Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Options includes over 30km of field margins, planted in conjunction with the Raisthorpe Shoot, one of the best in the coun- grassland reversion, fallows, field corners, also pollen and nectar mixes. try, run by David & Julia Medforth who also carry out all our cultivations. Our Phil Read has been involved in pea vining for over 50 years David guiding grandson, Joshua, to ploughing match success farming operation is diverse,always interesting and works well for us The Green Pea Company - A History In an average The Green Pea Company was formed ten years ago by amalgamating five previously independ- ent pea groups. The three years prior to this major change in working practice required much pea season if you discussion, negotiation and persuasion by the ‘Executive’ who were a committee comprising of could line up all of the two growers from the former independent groups who met and dealt with Birds Eye on behalf frozen peas they would of all growers. reach to the moon and back. The joining together of five independent groups created a more streamlined operation, with one board and a centralised workshop, leading to high cost savings and a far more efficient way of working.

The change in structure was not an easy one. However, the Green Pea Company has been fortunate enough to have committed and dedicated staff, past and present included, who have enabled the necessary changes for the benefit of the Company, its Staff and Growers.

The Continuous development of the pea production process has enabled the Green Pea Company pea season to remain at the forefront of the industry, with steady development of new drills in place of the employs c.350 now obsolete Herriau to name one. The introduction of bigger and fewer drills with reduced drilling cost will help to keep returns to the Grower at an acceptable level. Similarly, with the people working development of pea harvesters and use of tracked harvesters and specifically auto steer, together as one we will be able to reduce the significant investment we make in harvesters whilst supply chain. maintaining capacity. Auto steer alone has significant benefits, more so with the recent ability to communicate information between machines which is essential for our type of operation with multiple harvesters.

The losurec of Hessle road in 2007 and building a new factory on the Salvesen site The was a worrying period in the history of our business, however the successful move engine room all happened between seasons and without fault. that provides We’ve seen ownership of the Birds Eye brand change twice, from Unilever to Permira refrigeration for freezing and now to Nomad Foods, the most recent move demonstrating both faith in our The Green Pea Company the peas is arguably the business as well as a dynamic view of the European pea industry. largest of its kind in Europe The pressure on the Green Pea Company is always to reduce cost without compromising quality and we will continue to work together with our Birds Eye partners to A History ensure this happens for the benefit of all concerned. As with so many enterprises on farms, when one season draws to a close the next is already being prepared, none more so than vining peas. By March, seed is on farm, drills are in the fields and an almost continuous period of six months starts as a new pea season gets under way. Early drilling on easier land means a plan to drill the entire 10,000Ha in sequence can deliver a 45 day harvest period leading to efficient use of harvesters, staff and factory. As the viners leave the last fields in August and are delivered back to the workshop at Yokefleet, releasing much needed staff back to farms, work has already By now the hire equipment for harvest has been sourced including 15 tractors, field manager vehicles, vans, compressors and generators. If all goes to plan, started on preparing for the following pea crop. Growers will already know which fields they plan to be peas in the coming year, will have assessed the field and there is often a brief window in early June when drilling is finished and before harvest starts. For those involved in drilling and harvesting, those being drivers, know what cultivations need doing. Birds Eye field staff have been busy collating field survey sheets and will be agreeing with growers the protocols needed to managers, fieldsmen its a welcome break. Whilst drilling has been taking place, the team from the workshop have finished the viner overhauls whilst being on prepare the seedbed and check soil analysis. By October the harvesters and drills are being stripped and assessed ready for winter overhaul, and the necessary 7 day standby to keep drills running, but in addition have prepared water and fuel bowsers, created spares packs for the mobile workshops and in some cases shopping lists being created – anything from minor bearings to major components might feature, however items such as drills and viners are more scheduled taken up positions with the harvest teams to work in the field over harvest. purchases. The harvest season from mid June to early August will see 45,000 tonnes of the highest grade peas carefully harvested and handled from field to factory, an The winter months lend themselves to the office and completing the Commitment to Quality paperwork and the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review, a integrated process needing fastidious planning from the team at Birds Eye in conjunction with harvest managers and their teams working in two shifts of pre-requisite for all growing for Birds Eye. By now the Birds Eye field staff have seen all the fields, started the farm visits and begun the drilling and harvest twelve hours, sometimes non-stop for weeks to ensure our customer gets peas to match their exacting standards. Not only are the Green Pea Company the plan on ICSYS, their unique in-house information hub. Permanent workshop staff haven’t had time to draw breath with the focus on completing drill over- largest fresh pea business in the world, they supply the largest pea freezing facility in the world, producing market leading, premium brand Birds Eye peas. haul ready for the start of the new season. Before then the field staff and managers need to have their preseason briefing covering new protocols and Health As the season draws to a close, next year is already under way, but no doubt will bring a new series of challenges. However the Green Pea Company remains and Safety with the Green Pea Company retained advisor. Advanced purchase of fuel, often not just for drilling but harvest may have been made if the price committed to its objective of being the world leader in sustainable, cost effective, high quality pea production. is right, an advantage of having a good relationship with our supplier.

September January March July Soil sampling and LEAF Sustainable Drilling starts 100 harvest staff in survey sheets November farming Review Harvester Overhaul MAy full flow, Birds Eye Variety selection in full swing Harvest hire equipment receiving and freezing and field visits in place, pest control 1000t peas per day in field October April Harvester December February Early crops June August strip down Drill overhaul Drill plan emerged Spray Harvesters Harvest and staff set and seed programs out in the draws to organised for to farm started field, crop a close, next year monitored daily viners to workshop

The Typical Year SERVICE AND LOYALTY FUELS 10 YEAR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO LOCAL COMPANIES

Agriculture has always been inextricably linked with the weather. A rainy start to harvest can leave farmers waiting for the opportune moment to bring their crops in and once that moment arrives, it’s all systems go. It’s no time to be let down by your suppliers, and with thirsty machinery running overtime to complete harvest or drilling before the weather turns again, this is particularly the case when it comes to fuel. It’s for this reason the Green Pea Company has entrusted Hull-based family company Rix Petroleum with its fuel supplies for a decade. A specialist in commercial diesel and lubricants, Rix provides all of the com- pany’s gas oil, pumping equipment and ancillaries, AdBlue, and much of the lubricants they use. And as the Green Pea Company grows 45,000 tonnes of peas each year, that adds up to a whole lot of fuel. Nick Goodhand Operations manager Gary Creaser said despite being a big company, Rix’s customer service is second-to- none. “They know the job inside and out,” says Gary.

“We farm 25,000 acres in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and can be anywhere on that patch. We might arrange for a delivery at a particular farm but when we get there we find the conditions aren’t right, so we move somewhere else. That means changing the location of the delivery at a moment’s notice which can be chal- lenging for a fuel supplier, but Rix have always accommodated that.” PERSONNEL Rix’s forward buying facility enables the Green Pea Company to fix the fuel price at the point of purchase, helping them with financial planning, and Rix store the fuel until it is needed, which complements the company’s business model well. Matthew Kay Gary added: “What Rix give us is peace of mind. Whether that’s getting fuel to us at the right times or providing spill kits and wipes in case we have a leak, if we have a problem we can call them, and that’s very important.”

Duncan Lambert, director of Rix Petroleum, said he is keen to develop the relationship as the Green Pea Company enters its second decade of trading. “They are a fantastic client,” he said. O“ ver the years they have become more like friends than customers and that makes the working relationship special. We always try to give them the best possible service – they know they can get hold of us 24/7 if they need to – and they repay us with their loyalty.”

Quality lubricants are as important to the Green Pea Company as fuel and it is here again the company turns to Rix, which is one of the UK’s largest distributors of Q8 Oils and provides initial fill lubricants to WORKSHOP Matthew Young For many years Wolds Engineering Services Ltd have been a supplier to the Pea Growers in the East Riding. As time has changed the structure of Pea PMC Harvesters – manufacturers of some of the pea viners Green Pea use. growing, time has also changed the way Wolds operate. From the days of supplying just Bearings and Chain to the Howdenshire , Beverley , Humber , Driffield and South Holderness Pea Groups Wolds has evolved to become a complete supplier of all goods associated with busy workshops. Graham Williamson, director of lubricants at Rix, appreciates the importance of using quality products on expensive machinery. Our role as a supplier starts with the January Pea Drill repairs with many bearings , sensors and lengths of hose supplied for fans and drills As

“For the Green Pea Company to be successful, they need top quality lubricants to safeguard their equip- planting starts in March and the Viner services are well underway we are tasked with supplying a whole range of goods helping to ensure the efficient KEY ment and cope with the arduous conditions they sometimes have to operate in, along with the service and running of the Yorkefleet work shop .Health and Safety is paramount we at Wolds supply the products including dust masks , gloves , Hi Vis products , backup we are able to offer,” he says. safety glasses and footwear , Earplugs infact all goods required for a safe working environment. Duncan Lambert added that the trusted relationship between the two companies meant the future looked Spares orders are placed as the June harvest approaches kits for each group are supplied containing essential spares and items needed for running repairs bright for both. cable ties , lubricants , seal kits , electrical sensors , cleaning rags and paper products, hose clips , ball valves , fasteners , hand and power tools as well as the bearings , chains and belts. Embroided Clothing supplied by Wolds helps give the Green Pea Group an identity as the 24/7 slog begins. Wolds are on “It’s been a great 10 years working with the Green Pea Company,” he said. “Here’s to the next 10. We hope call through out the season to help with unexpected break downs and top ups of stock for the services kits. When the season finally comes to an end Wolds Nick Leighton to remain an integral part of their success for many years to come.” are again on hand to provide cleaning products for the viners as the circle of maintainance begins once again. We at Wolds Engineering are delighted to be a supplier of such a important local company. Providing agricultural machinery, servicing, parts & advice to all our customers since 1936 Plant breeders and suppliers of superior seed varieties www.rbmagricultural.co.uk www.lgseeds.co.uk @LGSeedsUK Tel: 01507 353 783 Fax: 01507 600 689 Email: [email protected] Web: greenpeaco.com BGA House, Nottingham Road, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 0WB