Baked beans could become a crop of choice for British growers

To date, the UK has relied on imports of baked beans to supply the nation due to the lack of adequate climate and soil conditions needed for the successful cultivation of the crop. However, the research project aims to challenge the status quo by adopting growing practices to the UK’s unique environment. In a move to promote sustainable food production and food security, the University of Warwick has developed innovative farming techniques tailored specifically to the cultivation of baked beans. By harnessing the latest agricultural technologies and insights from the University of Warwick, Lincolnshire farmer Andrew Ward has become the first in the UK to grow a full crop of baked beans, which he hopes will reduce reliance on imports and ensure a consistent supply of this ultimate British staple breakfast item. He commented: “It’s the first commercial-scale planting of a variety of haricot beans that could end up in a can on everybody’s supper table. At the moment we don’t have any ...