MEET THE FARMERS

Andrew Hladun

Farming less than 1 mile from the Albert Bartlett Boston site we are the nearest grower of Vivaldi potatoes in the Boston group. Now in our fourth season with the Vivaldi variety we learn more about the variety every season.

Almost three quarters of our potato ground is growing Vivaldi with Maris Piper and Estima making up the rest. Recent investment in a new 600 Tonne temperature controlled store and other associated equipment has been made. Onions, Brassicas, Sugar beet, and combinable crops make up the rest of our arable acreage, Industrial oilseed rape is grown on the farm as a break crop.

Eight acres of the farm are managed on entry level stewardship scheme, wild bird mix drilled on field margins, Pollen and nectar mixes are already established and bumblebee mix is to be established in spring 2008.

Recently I have been involved with the University of Surrey studying THE LIFECYCLE ASSESSMENT in potato production, Majoring on emissions and carbon usage.

As a former Chairman and President of the young farmers I still take special interest in the movement and am involved in several fund-raising committees.