Launching the first Sprout Festival at Chipping Campden last week, Welberry confirmed that mechanical harvesting was still difficult. He said: 'We are all hoping for six weeks of dry cold weather.' The situation in Evesham is somewhat better, according to grower William Haines whose 25 acres make him one of the largest producers in an area still harvested by hand. 'Crop quality is very good this year and demand is improving,' said Haines.

As part of the fight to give sprouts greater recognition, Welberry hopes supermarkets will consider using the new BSGA logo. Retailer Sainsbury's has already expressed its interest.

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