Greenvale and Albert Bartlett were among the winners as Sainsbury’s handed out over £1 million in R&D grants across its UK supply chain at its annual farming conference last week.
With 14 grants awarded, picked from a shortlist of 21 producers and worth an estimated £123,000 each, potato supplier Greenvale was awarded a grant as part of its investment in improving soil and water management in potato production, while AC Goatham won a joint grant alongside FW Mansfield for continuing to invest in “dynamic controlled atmosphere storage” to aid apple production.
“This level of investment in research and development from a British retailer is an industry first,” said Judith Batchelar, Sainsbury’s director of brand.
Other fresh produce winners included Paul Howlett of Wight Salads, for the firm's investment in sustainable tomato and pepper production.
