Irish Growers Inspired by Solufeed Yorkshire Trip

If Confucius was right when he said that you can't open a book without learning something, then it's also true that every study tour is likely to bring new ideas and inspiration. At least that's what motivated a group of Irish growers to undertake a hectic 2 day schedule of visits to Yorkshire in December. 

Older glass can still generate a healthy income: strawberries at Humber Growers

The study tour, sponsored and organised by fertiliser specialists Solufeed and their Irish distributor Deker Horticultural Suppliers Ltd. featured an eclectic mix of host businesses including a leading independent research station, large scale soft fruit and nursery stock production units and a tour of the Solufeed factory.

Just as in the UK, spending on horticultural research in Ireland has been drastically reduced, so it was interesting for the group to visit the independently funded STC Research Foundation and the Stockbridge Technology Centre where work is carried out for a range of clients including growers, the supply chain, DEFRA and HDC.

STC'S work on LED lighting attracted close attention from the group

'STC is a great example of how the UK industry continues to support much needed near market research' said Derek Warren, who led the Irish party. STC's project for monitoring the effects of contamination in composted waste and their work with LED lighting were of particular interest to the visitors. 'STC have demonstrated that growers should be very cautious about using composted waste as a peat substitute' said Derek.

Ireland has a thriving soft fruit sector, so a visit to Humber Growers 6 acre strawberry unit was a key part of the itinerary. Humber Growers success demonstrates that good returns are still possible from relatively old structures. Like other UK growers, Humber Growers have successfully converted existing glass originally built for salads to intensive strawberry production in coir.

The Irish horticulture industry has strong family traditions. Little wonder then, that this group felt so much at home during their visit to hardy nursery stock specialists Johnsons of Whixley where Chairman John Richardson and sons Graham, Andrew and Iain provide the driving force behind the very successful business. During a tour of the main 55 acre site John Richardson impressed his Irish guests with his passion and vision. There may be many reasons for the success and rapid growth Johnson of Whixley, but the Irish growers were particularly inspired by the leadership of the management team and attention to detail throughout the organisation.

'This was our 3rd annual study tour' said Derek. 'We never fail take good ideas and inspiration back to our own businesses, so the time is always very well spent'

Source: HortiTrends News Room