Christmas has finally arrived. A time of tradition with carols in our local All Saints Church rounding off a day of last minute preparations. It is both a time for excitment and for reflection. Reflection on a year passing and the year to come.
The year passing has as always had highlights that are memorable – such as the first UK Sea buckthorn Association meeting back in February. It has also had some low points – with the realisation that the Siberian varieties are very attractive to our local wildlife.
Visiting our colleagues in germany at harvest time to see the Kranneman sea buckthorn harvester galloping its way through lines of shrubs – that was spectacular. Equally though was the feeling that our own version of cut and freeze harvesting was a success.
A New Year coming is always full of optimism. This year the birds will not be feasting on the sweet Russian berries because we have found a netting system to enclose the plantation. This comes at a time when these plants will finally be producing a harvest as opposed to just a few token berries.
Given a store full of UK grown berries this winter will focus on marketing and processing the fruit. Some will go into the London market fresh. Processing will need a HACCP accredited processing system and NPD kitchen. The latter being the task for the first two months of next year. Some have questioned whether full accreditation is necessary – but still the concept of developing a set of definable standards is a real goal. Standards bring customer confidence. They also bring attention to detail which will be a learning curve but one that will reap rewards in the future.
There are also a stock of new plants to go into the orchard. These have been over yeared in pots. Bringing the plants on from cuttings in pots will allow for more certain success in my clay soil. With a full compost and compost tea program planned for this year, these new plants should soon establish and become part of a rolling expansion of yield capacity.
Throughout 2016 we have been working with Cornish SeaBerry – who have planted a sea buckthorn orchard and also look to expand in the New year. Partnership working is a crucial tool in establishing new markets. Seth from Cornish Sea berry has travelled the world this year and will have his own take on how to establish his business – but working together will bring mutual benefit to both of us.
The time has come for Santa to start the day. I hope he brings all that you hope for and with it a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.
