Archive Article: 1997/10/18
Benefits spelt out
I was rather disappointed with your disparaging comments regarding spelt wheat in Crops w/e 4 October 1997.
Doves Farm Foods are processors and millers of spelt and there is a growing demand for this product. It can be eaten by many people who are unable to tolerate common wheat, and it is also an easy breadmaking four with an excellent flavour. Its good digestibility and high nutritional content have fascinated nutritionists and medical healers from the 11th century up to the present day.
For some years we purchased spelt from the Continent but now we are able to source the grain from UK production. The seed aid regime was useful as a pump primer in allowing this crop to be introduced to this country where it has proved to be an alternative cereal suited to organic farmers. It will now be grown regularly and give further choice to the farmer and the final consume. Surely a laudable goal?
Michael Marriage,
Managing director, Doves Farm Foods, Hungerford, Berkshire.
NIAB pointers
This is the time of the year when the seeds industry seeks pointers for the future regarding the pro
motion of new varieties to next years Recommended List trials.
Last year Nickerson Seeds was critical of the narrow genetic base of winter wheat varieties promoted to the trials and the consequential risk to growers of high yellow rust infections in future crops. Fortunately, many of these high risk varieties have now been exposed in NIAB trials and we now wait for judgement as to whether any will proceed to Recommended List status.
This year we have witnessed a new scenario from NIAB, with promoted varieties being chosen with security in mind, not just for yellow rust and other diseases, but with increasing emphasis being placed on improved agronomic types and particularly end use markets. This is welcome news in a sector which has been depressed by lower grain prices, yields and grain quality than for some years.
NIAB has taken some brave decisions – and should be commended for doing so. New varieties recognised in this way will help to secure the future of wheat growing in the UK and, along with it, reduce the exposure of growers to risk in an uncertain market.
Bill Angus,
Nickerson Seeds,
Rothwell, Lincoln, LN7 6DT.