Farming Talk: Shropshire farmers grow £55m of fruit and veg

The results of an in-depth study into Shropshire's horticultural credentials has just been launched by the NFU.

The findings of the report into regional vegetable, fruit and plant production have been revealed following a year-long study to get to the heart of West Midlands' horticulture.

The research project got off the ground just over 12 months ago as part of a bid to help boost farm businesses and explore what is being grown on thousands of hectares across the region.

Shropshire growers, including potato producers, backed the Defra-funded study which has helped to get a fuller picture of the region's pedigree as one of the country's leading horticulture hot-spots.

The report has also unearthed some key information on a variety of issues including the sector's competitiveness and viability.

The European Food and Farming Partnership, EFFP, worked with an industry steering group, including the NFU, on the 'Getting to the heart of horticulture' study.

A variety of business case studies are highlighted in the report which pulls up some robust statistics and details about the sector's competitiveness.

In the executive summary the findings show that while horticulture uses just three per cent of the region's agricultural land, it contributes more than 21 per cent of the value of its agricultural output.

Herefordshire had the largest share of the horticultural sector but all of the regional counties played a significant part, including Shropshire.

County farmers grew £55.57 million of horticultural products last year.

PDM is one of the case studies featured and the Shropshire business has grown dramatically from a standing start in 1990 to its current position as one on the three largest lettuce growers in the UK.

NFU member Philip Maddocks, based near Newport, supplies whole head Iceberg, Little Gems and Romaine lettuce and many other varieties.

Since its early days the business' portfolio has expanded to include retailers and food service customers and production has increased through a mixture of land purchase and rental agreements.

The business also grows baby leaf spinach and markets bagged salads.

Last year they introduced new crops including wild rocket and bull's blood chard and are a stand-out example of the region's horticultural sector working at its best, bolstering the economy and providing a quality product.

For further details visit www.pdmproduce.co.uk

'Getting to the heart of horticulture' also looks at the economics, seasonality, the supply chain and the challenges and opportunities for the sector in the years ahead. The report results show a sector demonstrating growth in several areas and this is an important driver for the West Midlands' economy.

Sector challenges are also highlighted in it and how growers can succeed in a highly competitive market.

The NFU and EFFP hopes the report will help farmers enhance their businesses, promote the sector and influence decision makers. The project was funded by Defra and the rural development programme, with support from partners and other industry sources.

Further details are set to be published and a more detailed summary will shortly be made available on the regional pages of www.nfuonline.com