The Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) will welcome farmers, agronomists and other industry stakeholders to its open day at the trial site in Stubton, Lincolnshire on Tuesday 2 July, where they can see a variety of trials and demonstrations.
“The open day is a chance to explore the trials work carried out by the PGRO with the goal of providing the whole industry with more information about producing better pulse crops,” says PGRO Chief Executive Roger Vickers.
“We carry out a huge number of trials every year to gain a better understanding of pests and diseases, evaluate varieties, and explore new production techniques. This open day is an excellent opportunity to spend time with our technical team in the field, looking at their work in crops.”
The pea and bean open day will showcase trials being carried out for the Nitrogen Climate Smart (NCS) Project, which includes intercropping trials among others. There will also be the opportunity to see trials involving lentils and chickpeas, which are being grown to establish the viability of production in the UK and identify varieties of interest.
As well as National List and Descriptive List trials, PGRO will also be showcasing its work with Phaseolus bean multiplication. The site also hosts slot trials for herbicide, fungicides and confidential contract work for private companies.
Growers and agronomists who want to know more about the impact new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options can also take the opportunity to ask for advice.
“There are a number of SFI options that are likely to contain legume species and there is significant concern about risks and unknown consequences of the effective potential shortening the pulse and vegetable legume crop rotation,” Roger added.
“We’d be pleased to discuss this in more detail so growers get the best advice before choosing their approach.”
Attendance is free and no pre-booking is required. To find the Stubton site, use the What3Words ///redeeming.loads.silks. The site is open from 10am to 3pm.