Apple and pear business grows, showing fruits of diversification
Ralph Owen, one of many Welsh farmers struggling to stay in business by diversification, is helping others to broaden their businesses.
Since taking on the tenancy of the 20.8ha (51-acre) Badland Farm at New Radnor in Powys 20 years ago, production from the 1.5ha (3.7 acres) of apple orchards has been scaled up and they have now started buying apples and pears from other farmers.
“A few years ago it was clear that we could not make a living from 150 ewes and 10 suckler cows, so we decided to turn a hobby into an income earner,” recalls Mr Owen.
Earlier maturing fruit is sourced from lowland orchards, most of which have not been managed for some time because of poor demand.
Products are sold direct through food fairs and shows, and an on-farm shop. They operate the only fully licensed cider house in Wales, and are planning to set up a visitor centre to show off traditional equipment and attract new customers.
Traditional labour intensive methods are used to make about 2000gal of blended cider, from about 20t of apples. “We are not going to make a fortune, but there is room to expand by exploiting the fact that cider is being heavily promoted nationally by one big producer.”
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