Futures looking bright for novel crop production

17 September 1999

Futures looking bright for novel crop production

Novel crops offer great

potential for skilled UK

farmers. Charles Abel

visited a Yorks-based

enthusiast who has realised

substantial land assets in a

bid to provide the stimulus

the market requires

SPECIALITY crops for industry, medicine and food ingredients manufacturing offer huge potential, claims one Yorks farmer.

So certain is he about their future that he has sold significant farmland assets to finance a new company dedicated to their development.

"UK farmers are uniquely and ideally placed to exploit this opportunity," says Clifford Spencer of Rudston, near Driffield. "Their farming expertise and facilities are wasted on low value commodity crops. End users are now recognising the tremendous potential for crops to produce food ingredients, drugs, pharmaceuticals and nutritional products from plants."

But only the right growers, with the right skills, supported by the right varieties and the right agronomic advice will succeed. That is why Mr Spencer and his wife Janice created Springdale Crop Synergies.

"Very large multi-nationals know what they want and we know there are plenty of good farmers who can supply them. Bridging the gap is our goal."

SCS is already involved in over 20 novel crops, all subject to confidentiality agreements. Developments already reported include lunaria (honesty) for nervonic acid for multiple sclerosis treatment, echium (purple vipers bugloss) for anti-inflammatory skin cream and borage for health foods and nutritional supplements. Newer crops include camelina and meadow-foam, both producing novel oils.

Prospects good

Some crops may never rise above niche status, admits Mr Spencer. But others are destined for the big time. "Twenty years ago I grew a 2-acre trial crop and wondered if it would catch on. Look at it now. Todays newcomers could do the same or better, without needing subsidy."

But new crops need developing. Breeding is fundamental, but so too is agronomy, which is where Mr Spencer sees his niche. "Over the past 25 years we have built up our expertise as specialist seed growers. We have learned how to get the most from varieties, producing basic, pre-basic and breeders seed of most conventional crops. Now we are applying that expertise to novel crops."

Springdale Farms will continue as a specialist seed producer, with rental agreements on 1200ha (3000 acres) on 28 farms mainly in N Yorks. Sophisticated seed processing facilities at Rudston and elsewhere will also be retained.

But the family farm, bar 40ha (100 acres) around the farmstead, and land nearby has been sold to raise the capital for SCS. "We want to keep our business with its feet in the countryside, but to go further than the farm gate."

New potential

Good new crop agronomy can have a huge impact, Mr Spencer says. "Lunaria was being developed on a yield potential of 200kg/ha. We have now shown we can produce 1700kg/ha which could create new potential."

Husbandry, cultivations, variety, nutrition and even weather can profoundly affect yield and quality. "Even something like iron nutrition can help, producing a desirable desaturated oil. The key lies in having that technical knowledge."

Another SCS asset is Springdale Farms strong track-record for meeting specification consistently. "If you can go into a boardroom and say you can grow what they want at the yield they want and with the quality they want these companies will move."

But that means contracted growers must meet agronomic targets. "It is almost a case of a personality fit – some growers are right, others are not."

Mr Spencer plans to contract growers throughout the UK to spread weather risk and optimise production. "We have already set up facilities from Cornwall to the Borders." Production in Europe is a longer term goal.

Within four to five years Mr Spencer hopes to be contracting large areas of "sensible, proper, commercial" crops. By 2010 several new crops could be up to borages 1200-2000ha (3000-5000 acre) and he hopes one will be a real flyer, like linseed and HEAR today.

But markets will take time to develop and will be buyer-led. "We want to seek out real markets rather than produce first and then sell, or try to persuade someone to buy something they dont really want," he concludes. &#42

Novel crop agronomy

Experience, field observation and trials on the 40ha surrounding Springdale Farm will help generate the detailed agronomy needed to optimise the new crops.

Seed-bed preparation and drilling technique can play a crucial role. Conventional seed production already uses precision techniques to produce up to 3.7-4.9t/ha (1.5-2t/acre) of wheat from a sowing rate of just 7.4kg/ha (1.4lb/acre) creating plants with up to 80 tillers each.

Correct nutrition is also vital. "We tailor nutrient mixes to different crops according to soil and plant analysis, using Omex liquid fertilisers to provide the right cocktail," Mr Spencer says. "SAP testing definitely works for us, acting as an early warning system." Nitrogen stabilisers and seaweed extracts are also common.

Timing must be spot on for sowing, pesticide application, nutrition or harvesting.

Membership of national assurance schemes is complemented by rigorous self-imposed production protocols, monitored through a Farmplan/Optimix system. "If we are growing for a specialist outlet we have to be absolutely sure pesticides are used correctly." Many markets want minimal pesticide use – another agronomy challenge.

SCS

&#8226 Based at Rudston, N Yorks.

&#8226 25 years as seed producer.

&#8226 Huge potential for novel crops.

&#8226 Industry v interested.

&#8226 Major investment.

&#8226 Yield, quality and consistency vital

&#8226 Good agronomy key.

&#8226 Aim to contract specialist growers across UK.

&#8226 Poss crops: range of herbs and novel indigenous and non-indigenous plants.