NACM Orcharding Day Another Success

Growers discuss the merits of the Underbuster compressed air injection system for relieving soil compaction and improving orchard drainage in tree rows and headlands and the Orcharding Day. Behind them a contractor/exhibitor has raised the 4-bladed cutting head of his pruning shape-saw; a machine which many believe will become a useful aid to the management of mature cider orchards. 

More than 200 growers, who provide UK cidermakers with many of their apples, joined other members of the orcharding community in helping to make the latest NACM Orcharding Day, at Bulmers' Upper House Farm, Westhope, Herefordshire, one of the most successful to date.

In addition to participating in an orchard walk, during which they learned about new cider apple varieties and orcharding techniques, the guests were
able to see the latest machinery, designed to make the task of growing and harvesting apples as efficient and cost effective as possible.

'The level of support for the event from growers and exhibitors was extremely encouraging and demonstrated the importance of cider apples to the rural economy,' said Chris Fairs, Growers Advisory Manager at Bulmers.

'The industry has also made a major commitment to continue improving its sustainable development practices and recognises the vital role of the orchard in encouraging bio-diversity in helping to achieve that objective,' he said. 'We have seen great interest in this field in recent years with many examples of exciting environmental initiatives taking place across Britain in areas where cider apples are grown.

'This event is one example of the NACM's role in promoting good practice and disseminating information as widely as possible amongst the orcharding community and we were delighted with the response,' said Chris. September 10, 2009

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