Elwell Fruit Farm in Waytown, near Bridport, has recorded its largest apple and pear harvest in more than 70 years. Pickers gathered over 600 tons of fruit this season, most of which will be supplied to supermarkets across the United Kingdom, as well as farm shops and markets in West Dorset.
Farmer William Jackson said, "This year is without doubt the biggest crop we've grown here, ever."
Established in 1949, the farm spans 20.6 hectares (equivalent to 29 football pitches) and has more than 24,000 trees producing English dessert apple varieties, including Red Windsor, Cox, Gala, Junami, and Braeburn. The farm also grows Conference pears, which Mr. Jackson described as the best crop this year in terms of quality and size.
Jackson, whose family has managed the farm since 1956, attributed the strong yields to favorable weather conditions over the past 12 months. "Last winter's cold temperatures shut down the fruit buds fully, so they had plenty of stored energy come the spring. The warm, dry spring was perfect for pollination conditions. Followed by a hot summer, which encouraged the fruit to grow. Then some rain in early September helped it to size up nicely," he said.
Around 20 people, including a team from Bulgaria, worked daily for seven weeks to complete the harvest. Despite the strong yields, Jackson said high production levels nationwide are likely to affect prices. "Apple sales both locally and nationally are low because not only do commercial growers like us have an abundance of fruit, but so does almost everyone with an apple tree in their garden," he said. "If only we could grow a bumper crop when nobody else does, now that would be good."
With harvesting complete, the team has begun pruning, maintenance, and soil management for the next season. The farm's apples and pears are supplied to Bridport's school meals provider Local Food Links, as well as to Baboo gelato makers. The fruit is also sold at local outlets, including Washingpool Farm Shop, Groves Garden Centre, and Fruit n 2 Veg in Beaminster, and further afield at Miller's Farm Shop near Axminster, The Old Stables Delicatessen in Swanage, and farmers' markets in Wimborne, Sherborne, and Poundbury.
Source: Bridport News
