CALU GWLAD Article November 2005

Alternative crops and horticulture

Various changes are prompting farmers to consider alternatives.

First, there is the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme. Alternative crops offer a means of diversification and re-engagement with the market.

Second, there is climate change. This may mean longer growing seasons allowing farmers to grow a wider range of crops.

Globalisation is a third pressure. The negative effects of this are being felt as imports compete with Welsh produce, but there is a counter Localisation movement. Demand for local produce is growing at Farmers Markets and through box schemes and more home-grown produce is being sourced for schools and hospitals. There are also market opportunities supplying the catering and hospitality sector. As recently acknowledged in the press, Wales leads the UK in the quality of its gastro-tourism.

Fourth, there is food security. Speaking on behalf of CALU, ADAS Senior Consultant David Frost said, “Political and climatic instability has demonstrated how vulnerable world trade can be. We need to ensure that essential goods are produced and processed locally.” A report from the Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group also considered threats to the food supply a major issue. Among many recommendations, the Group proposed developing methods to assess the change of conventional systems to low input, organic or integrated farming and the introduction of novel crops and livestock. According to David Frost, “a wide range of alternative horticultural crops need to be trialled and costed so that Welsh agriculture can take advantage of developments with confidence”.

Current projects

A consortium led by the Central Science Laboratory and including the University of Wales, Bangor, was commissioned by the WDA to study the economic potential of plants and animals not currently fully exploited in Wales. Their 2003 report identified ten top ‘under-exploited’ plant species in Wales. Current CALU projects trialling alternative crops are looking at: Miscanthus for energy production, blight resistant potatoes to reduce the need for chemical inputs, and growing exotic mushrooms locally.

“Even a casual examination of the horticultural press demonstrates the potential for alternative horticultural crops” says David Frost, “In vegetables, traditional crops such as shallots and traditional varieties such as Chantenay carrots are being promoted. New plum varieties are being introduced. Squash is increasing in popularity with new varieties; and asparagus had “fantastic season” in 2005. New markets for staples are also emerging, for example raw carrots for school fruit and vegetable schemes; fruit for yogurt flavouring; blight-resistant potatoes for public procurement. There are also new growing techniques such as a new ‘hedgerow’ orchard system for apples.”