The dates for the 59th Goudhurst and Paddock Wood National Farmers' Union (NFU) Orchard Competition 2009 have been confirmed as July 15-17 for judging and July 29 for the farm walk at the winning orchards.
Martin Webber, NFU group secretary, said: “We are delighted to confirm Norman Collett as our major sponsor for the second year. Their support extends to helping steward the judges and assisting in the management of the farm walk event.”
Colletts’ technical director Nigel Jenner is also confirmed as one of the judges for 2009.
The competition is unique due to it being an entire farm competition - in other words, the judges can look at any or all of the orchards belonging to the entrants and judging is not just based on a single show orchard that has been spruced up for judging day.
Additional sponsorship has been provided by UAP, who will be supporting a special prize to commemorate the bicentenary of the Bramley apple - this will be awarded to the overall highest mark for any Bramley orchard.
Last year saw 17 farms competing for the 19 prizes available - a punishing schedule for the four judges, who evaluate farms for good environmental management, a commercial crop, pest control and orchard management in just three days.
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