Chingford Fruit Limited has reported a positive second season for its concept Conference pear orchard in Kent.

The 2.2 hectare orchard, planted in conjunction with East Malling Research (EMR), and with product supplied to Sainsbury’s, is aimed at assessing increasing yields of conference pear and therefore improving its viability for the UK grower through reduced water usage.

The trial is fully irrigated with computer controlled systems and features a number of growing trials. Similar systems are used on the continent, but it is seen as important to understand their performance in UK growing conditions. The crop is expected to reach maturity in five to seven years.

Dr Sarah Taylor of Chingford Fruit Limited said: “We chose EMR as one of our partners on this project so to combine our expertise, they have provided a great deal of insight into water usage reduction and optimisation.

“Not only are we driving yield via new growing systems, but our objective is to reduce inputs too. Although we are only into the second year of the project the results so far have been extremely encouraging and fruit set this year indicates we are heading in the right direction.

“We are taking a holistic approach to understand how we can improve the quality and efficiencies throughout, from planting, inputs, yield and storage."

Topics