Article taken from the Horticulture Week
Lower Hope Farms manager Andy Hunt has determinedly visited plantations across the world in his quest to find new and improved ways of growing cherry trees. Working closely with crop specialist Leon Jahae, Andy used his newfound knowledge to set up a concept orchard, which he planted in May 2013 on the Herefordshire farm.
The award-winning farm is already renowned for pioneering protected cherry production. During the past two decades it has mastered the art of growing this tricky fruit, which can be particularly sensitive to the harsh British weather. The farm’s cherry orchards now span 32ha, enabling the producer to guarantee a consistent supply of good-quality fruit to all of its supermarket customers.
Unsurprisingly, people are now very fond of British-grown cherries, so Lower Hope Farms is trialling new varieties and growing methods to find ways to increase its yields and satisfy this growing consumer demand. The new orchard was there planted at a higher density than traditional orchards. The trees were put in the ground between 50cm and 1m apart, rather than the traditional width of 1.75m. A mix of single leader whip trees and “V”-shaped twin leader trees was also planted.
Lower Hope Farms, a Berry Gardens grower, says the twin leaders have performed particularly well. The concept orchard’s first harvest (2014) produced nearly double the amount of fruit originally predicted. Andy and his team had forecasted a modest yield of 2.4 tonnes per hectare but the orchard actually turned in an impressive 5.5 tonnes per hectare.
Andy’s travels have therefore definitely been worthwhile. Thanks to his globetrotting efforts, the future of both Lower Hope Farms and the UK’s cherry-growing industry is looking very promising.
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Agrovista
One of the leading suppliers of advice and products to professional growers. With the most comprehensive product range and technical knowledge in the UK, Agrovista can ensure that the quality service it provides to its customers is unrivalled in the marketplace.
Lower Hope Farms manager Andy Hunt has determinedly visited plantations across the world in his quest to find new and improved ways of growing cherry trees. Working closely with crop specialist Leon Jahae, Andy used his newfound knowledge to set up a concept orchard, which he planted in May 2013 on the Herefordshire farm.
The award-winning farm is already renowned for pioneering protected cherry production. During the past two decades it has mastered the art of growing this tricky fruit, which can be particularly sensitive to the harsh British weather. The farm’s cherry orchards now span 32ha, enabling the producer to guarantee a consistent supply of good-quality fruit to all of its supermarket customers.
Unsurprisingly, people are now very fond of British-grown cherries, so Lower Hope Farms is trialling new varieties and growing methods to find ways to increase its yields and satisfy this growing consumer demand. The new orchard was there planted at a higher density than traditional orchards. The trees were put in the ground between 50cm and 1m apart, rather than the traditional width of 1.75m. A mix of single leader whip trees and “V”-shaped twin leader trees was also planted.
Lower Hope Farms, a Berry Gardens grower, says the twin leaders have performed particularly well. The concept orchard’s first harvest (2014) produced nearly double the amount of fruit originally predicted. Andy and his team had forecasted a modest yield of 2.4 tonnes per hectare but the orchard actually turned in an impressive 5.5 tonnes per hectare.
Andy’s travels have therefore definitely been worthwhile. Thanks to his globetrotting efforts, the future of both Lower Hope Farms and the UK’s cherry-growing industry is looking very promising.
Award sponsor
Agrovista
One of the leading suppliers of advice and products to professional growers. With the most comprehensive product range and technical knowledge in the UK, Agrovista can ensure that the quality service it provides to its customers is unrivalled in the marketplace.