Latest News
Nickerson Choose 2x2 Varieties for Sowing this Autumn
Wheat Breeder Grows Funds for Charity
April Showers Drive Disease Pressure on Wheat Crops
Nickerson-Advanta Ltd supports the Fairplay farm saved seed initiative
which seeks to establish a level playing field on which all farmers contribute fairly to the cost of breeding new varieties irrespectively, whether they use farm saved or certified seed.
For more information, click link below
Protein Crops
The UK is only about 30% self-sufficient for vegetable protein! Although the potential market is estimated at more than 2.2 million tonnes, production from harvest 2006 was just 740,000 tonnes. (Figures courtesy of British Edible Pulses Association)
Protein crops grown in the UK include spring and winter beans, combining peas, and a range of lupin species. The markets for these crops are animal feed, micronising, canning and packet peas, the pigeon trade, and various export outlets.
Domestically grown protein crops are in direct competition with imported soybeans and soya meal for the annual 1.5 million tonnes requirement for vegetable protein, but there are still plenty of added-value opportunities to aim for. Domestic markets for marrowfat peas and the export trade for edible beans have been particularly attractive in recent years.
Nickerson varieties feature prominently in the major segments of this market: field beans for animal feed and the edible trade; white, blue and marrowfat peas, and maple peas for forage use or pigeon feed.
If you have any questions for either our Pea Breeder, Dr Keith Fox, or our Protein Crops specialist Joss Vincent, please send them to enquiries@nickerson.co.uk or telephone 01472 371471.
