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Regional Producer business news &
stories
British Organic Concept Orchard
There's a story on UK website
Freshinfo that points out some big differences between
our supermarkets and those in the UK. Sainsbury’s along with
a marketing company and a fourth generation Kent orchardist
have started an organic 'concept' apple orchard
The article says... "The objective is to boost production
levels of selected traditional English varieties and several
newcomers to levels far beyond current yields, not only
making it more cost effective but also giving Sainsbury’s
customers more organic fruit between August and April.
Just over three per cent of organic apples sold in the UK
are home-grown, but results of trials of a range of new
techniques indicate that Sainsbury’s could potentially
increase its proportion to as high as 70 per cent during the
English season.
The key is high-density planting, based on 3,300 trees a
hectare compared with the currently accepted figure of
800trees/ha, supported by new techniques such as pheromone
treatment to predict pests and diseases, allowing action to
be taken in advance. "
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"The fruit under trial includes Cox, Gala and Braeburn,
although opinions still differ widely as to their
suitability for organic production due to susceptibility to
both root and fungal diseases. One reason why these apples
are being grown “is simply because they are enjoyed by our
customers,” said Connor McVeigh, Sainsbury’s category
manager. “We have to take the view that is what they want.”
“Some people have told us we are mad,” admitted grower Peter
Hall, “and we realise that it will be difficult. But we
believe the success is in the detail, and it is possible
because Sainsbury’s is giving us its long-term backing.” The
orchard also contains Estival, Early Windsor, Pinova,
Egremont Russet, as well as Bramley.
Freshinfo Story published: Thu 6 Sep 07 08:01
 Sainsburys
make a lot of fuss about their
organic food range and they also have a nice little
Eat Seasonal feature (with produce that's a touch dull
even given a cold climate). They give credit to the grower
(like
this for their carrots and onions).
Ok Coles and Woolies, it's over to you. Can I hope?
FH. 7 Sep 07.
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