New strawberry variety saves grower £3,500 per hectare
Larger, tastier strawberries that offer a 20 per cent saving on labour and almost no wastage, demonstrate that the benefits of breeding extend far beyond yield, according to scientists.
“The new strawberry provides the same yield per hectare as the industry stalwart Elsanta, but it has a sweeter flavour and is larger. It is easier and faster to pick, is more consistent in quality and has a longer shelf life. These qualities combine to reduce labour costs and make it more desirable to the supermarkets,” Johnson explains.
“The market for strawberries is large and increasing; it is currently worth over £300 million, and one leading supermarkets told me that strawberries were their biggest seller in terms of value.”
For more information:
Dr Belinda Clarke
Agri-Tech East
[email protected]
