Seed & Ware Growing
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Few potatoes are grown in North Wales and thus land is free of the Potato Cyst Nematode which is increasing common in other parts of U.K. This makes the growing of seed a good prospect. Also, because Sárpo varieties are resistant to common aphid-transmitted virus, they can be grown at sea level as well as on the uplands. The Trust are promoting the growing of high quality Sárpo potato seed by local livestock farmers to give them an alternative crop of high value. In season 2008, three farms in the Conwy valley are growing certified seed of Sárpo Mira, two conventionally and one organically. The crop will be harvested in early August, leaving time for cultivation and planting of the following crop before the weather deteriorates. Farmers wishing to grow at least half an acre of seed in 2009 should contact the Trust. We have secured funding from Welsh Assembly Government to promote seed growing in Wales. |
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Ware Growing Of Sárpo Varieties In Mid Wales In a project promoted by Centre of Alternative Land Use (CALU) and Horticulture Network Wales (HNW), livestock farmers in mid Wales have been encouraged to grow crops of Sárpo Mira for retailing. Five growers harvested blight-free crops in 2007, the worst year for blight since the famine years of the 1840s. Marketing was carried out by individual growers and was very successful. The Sárpo Potato Cluster has grown to 11 farmers in 2008 and more growers have been identified to grow in 2009. Links www.horticulturenetworkwales.org.uk |
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