Horticulture

There are just under a hundred licensed organic growers in Wales, producing on approximately 320 Ha (according to DEFRA statistics). Within this group there is enormous diversity in terms of the crops produced, the systems they operate and their routes to market. About a third of growers are horticultural specialists, producing fruit and vegetables in a stockless systems, and these tend to be small, market garden type enterprises, perhaps with a small area of field vegetables. The majority, however, grow in a mixed system, integrated with a livestock enterprise which could include beef, sheep, dairy or poultry. The relatively small scale of production, the poorer infrastructure and the lack of accessible pre-packing facilities means that very little product is marketed through supermarkets. The main outlets are through independent retailers, box schemes, markets and other direct sales.

Further information

General Download our Farmer's guide to Organic fruit and vegetable production (2008)An introductory guide for farmers considering growing vegetables for the first time. Includes sections: on soil fertilty; pest and disease management; variety selection; machinery and equipment; harvesting and storing; energy and emissions; financical information; field vegetables; protected cropping; top and soft fruit;resources and useful contacts. Also order a copy of 'Growing Organic Fruit and Vegetables' An electronic resource linked to the internet covering all aspects of organic growing in some detail. Available on USB memory stick from]

Storage Download our report on Organic vegetable storage in Wales including: growing for storage; storage methods; role of storage in improving the supply of fruit and vegetables in Wales.

Organic pest and disease management: including soil pests in general; slugs; Leatherjackets; and Wireworms. Also, download the results of potato Late Blight trials from 2006, carried out by CALU

Seeds and varieties: Download a report from vegetable variety trials from 2004 and our seed and variety survey report and results.

Plant raising and nurseries:Download information on media for organic plant raising (summary or full report). Also, read our guide on organic tree propagation.

Strategy: Read the Welsh Assembly Governement's Strategy for horticulture.

Useful links

Organic Growers Alliance
Centre for Alternative Landuse (CALU)
Garden Organic
Horticulture Wales: A new business support scheme for Wales. Contact for details

Providing information on organic food and farming in Wales