Introduction to Edible Crop Production

During 2009, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) held a successful introductory course for people interested in developing their competences in edible crop production.  The course was designed for new entrants to the production of field vegetables and protected crops.

CAFRE will be running a similar programme again this autumn, with soft fruit also included. People who attended last year’s course found the course valuable in the development of their businesses. James Quinn from Pomeroy tried several new crops this year with some promising results.  James not only appreciated the course content, but also found it provided several contacts for the expansion of his market. David Harrison from Magheralin said that the marketing advice was especially useful, while Michael Trainor of Tyrella gained a practical overview into all aspects of production.  He says’ “The concept of growing and selling my own produce was all new to me, so I found the whole programme helpful”.  Daniel Laverty from Bellaghy valued the link he gained to a CAFRE Development Adviser after attending the course; “Our cabbages this year would have been lost entirely without this guidance”.

The 2010 training programme is designed for those who have some knowledge and experience in farming or horticulture and who plan to grow edible crops (field vegetables, protected crops and soft fruit) commercially. It will begin in late September with an evening visit to a vegetable production farm, where a wide range of crops will be viewed and discussed.  Later sessions in autumn and winter will cover marketing, machinery, fertility, crop health and growing under protection.

For further information and to book a place please contact the Edible Crops Development Advisor Dr Anne Stone on 02894 426683, mobile 07500 957895 or e-mail anne.stone@dardni.gov.uk   

David Harrison a participant on the 2009 Edible Crop Production course, selling his own produce at his new shop in Portadown