Increasing confidence among the English apple industry is producing a new range of varieties in support of Cox, said Robert Mitchell chairman of the National Fruit Show in his opening remarks. The show was held in Detling on spacious new premises covering 3,000m2.
Entries are up in the competition class and there are more exhibitors at the two-day show this week, with Tesco added to the list of sponsors.
The industry is re-investing and while Cox will remain dominant, replacements are not just like-for-like; growers are responding to modern consumer tastes with Gala, Braeburn - which will become substantial - Cameo, Jazz and Greenstar, said Mitchell and other new cultivars are on the way.
The quality of this year’s crop has been good, although the diameter of fruit has increased. “We have some excellent apples this year and if you want large fruit we have it in plenty,” he said. “It will provide opportunities for marketing.”
A £20,000 government grant was announced at the show for the tree-fruit sector through the Farming & Rural Issues Group. The funds are intended to back a grower who comes up with ideas for the development of collaborative marketing and processing strategies. The successful applicant will be selected by year end.
However, Defra confirmed that apple and pear orchards will not benefit from new EU farm payments in force from January 1, 2005 as orchards are deemed to be permanent agricultural features outside the system’s remit.
European growers are likely to challenge the ruling when the situation comes up for review in 2007.
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