Can UK-grown baked beans fill the break crop gap?

There has been much discussion in the industry about growing more protein crops in the UK. However, despite the talk, the provisional AHDB early bird survey predicts a 10% decline in pulse area from the previous year. Pulse yields can be variable, and a reduced chemical armoury has increased the challenges in growing them, dissuading some farmers. Pulse experts at Agrii partnered with the University of Warwick and Andrew Ward of Roy Ward Farms to begin the process of learning how to grow haricot/Capulet beans. “We have always believed in not standing still and trying new things,” says Mr Ward. “Our country relies too heavily on imports, and the government does not seem concerned about it. “Food security is a huge issue. There are 300 tonnes of baked beans consumed in the UK daily, and none is produced by British farmers. We should not just accept that these come from abroad; that is why we started working […] on this project.” With processors paying up to £985/t for imported ...