Over the last 10 to 15 years there is at least one area of Scottish farming which has seen a steady, at times spectacular growth in profit, the production of fresh soft fruit. The berry business has changed dramatically not only in terms of profits, but in the way it is sold, marketed, grown and harvested.
Background
The chair of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) soft fruit working group, Peter Thomson says that if farmed well soft fruit can be a profitable business. Although the volume of fruit produced has declined, the value of the crop has exploded. He says that ten years ago 95 per cent of soft fruit production was sold in the form of pulp or frozen. Now the majority of soft fruit is going directly to the supermarkets to be sold fresh for a much better price. The Soft fruit market is one which they know has the potential to expand. 75 per cent of people buy strawberries at some point in the year.
Strawberry Picking Technology
David Leslie is a big grower, but he has taken his business in a different direction and has used his berry farming experience to manufacture and supply the latest technology including polytunnels and a new strawberry harvesting rig. They are now the largest manufacturers of polytunnels in Scotland and joint largest in the UK, not only do they supply farmers across the UK but they export to 19 countries as well. (www.vikingtunnels.com)
The latest technological revolution has now arrived in the shape of his harvesting rig. This huge piece of equipment allows up to ten pickers to lie suspended on a cushioned seat and headrest above the crop, they are in a picking position which is very comfortable which means that even the slowest of pickers can move at a good pace. Empty trays and punnets are also stored on the machine and the machine retrieves the full ones. Due to these machines there has been up to one hundred per cent improvement on their picking performances and an average of 30 to 40 percent improvement in picking costs. It makes sure everyone picks enough to cover the minimum wage. It also helps with planting, weeding, flower removal and de-running.
Traditional Berry Picking
Willie Crowe is one of the few remaining farmers to grow strawberries and raspberries in the traditional way. They only have two acres of strawberries and two acres of raspberries and sell a lot of their produce through their tiny farm shop. He says although the season only lasts six weeks they are content to continue as they are.
"Our customers come here for one reason and that's the taste of our berries. It's not that we're against what's happening with the berry industry, it's just that we believe and some people obviously agree with us, that berries need a natural environment to develop their full taste. They need the sunshine and they need the rain and they need to grow in proper soil. For us the old way is the best."
Strawberry Success
Karen McQuistan at Charlton Farm grow various different varieties in polytunnels, under glass and in the open air. This ensures they have supplies from May - Sept. They have developed the farm business by adding a farm shop, cafe and play area for kids. The cafe specializes in all things strawberry with giant strawberry tarts, filled meringues, pancakes, smoothies and chocolate fountains for dipping strawberries. By the end of June you can 'pick your own' and the cafe is usually mobbed. Karen thinks the berries grown outside taste the best although they do not last as long as strawberries grown in tunnels.
Watch the Landward video about Strawberries.
Page first published on Wednesday 5th September 2007
Page last updated on Tuesday 17th June 2008
