RESEARCH INTO organic vegetable and potato production has been given a boost, following the announcement of DEFRA funding.

The National Institute for Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) have secured funding to help growers try out a range of different varieties and monitor the results.

Results will look at yield, quality, as well as pest and disease infection, with the results available on the Centre for Organic Seed Information website www.cosi.org.uk.

“If organic vegetables and potatoes are to meet consumer demand in the future, it is important that growers are able to be part of the trials process,” said NIAB‘s vegetable consultant, Mike Day.

“It will give them the confidence to synchronise harvesting with the peak demand periods of the major food retailers.”

Five grower groups across the UK are currently being sourced, initially trialling a range of outdoor lettuces and spring and autumn cabbage varieties.