New Rhubarb Association Launched

A new Rhubarb Growers' Group has been established to help represent the sector. "Collaboration on new research required by this sector is necessary to ensure that our Horticultural Development Company (HDC) levy is spent on projects required by commercial growers", advises Neil Cairns, Farm Manager at Barfoots, who has agreed to chair this group. Relevant research and knowledge exchange are vital to the future of this expanding sector.

Rhubarb growers will be meeting on 7th May in Yorkshire to view the new HDC funded herbicide trial. A meeting with HDC will also be organised to discuss future research priorities for the sector including the requirement for additional crop protection products.

Rhubarb is not grown by a large number of commercial growers so all involved in this sector are encouraged to join the group and become involved in shaping research work to meet the needs of their own enterprises.

British Growers who already provide the administration for 14 crop associations are helping to establish the new group in conjunction with the HDC. If any Rhubarb grower would like to receive more information about the meeting in May or about this group's proposals please contact: Jayne Dyas on 01507 602427.

ENDS