Grant boost for apple growers

Two Norfolk fruit growers have begun pressing their own fruit juices for the first time, thanks to a cash boost from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).

Ian and Pam Reed, of Ashill Fruit Farm, Watton, have been farming for over 20 years and grow more than 40 varieties of apples altogether, along with other fruit.

Administered by the Rural Development Service (RDS), the new RES grant will allow them to take business to a new level, helping to pay for a new juice pressing and bottling plant.

"We will now be able make the most of our crops by pressing them on site to make juices and vinegars,” Reed said. "Without this, our second grade fruit would have to be transported to other presses or allowed to rot on the ground."

Victoria Perry, an advisor for the Rural Development Service in the East of England, said: “This project will help the Reeds to safeguard their business and their orchards, as well as saving second grade fruit from going to waste. "The apple juice will be a high quality, local product which will be sold mainly in the county."