Apple grower branches out into new business

Norfolk apple grower Ian Reed is pressing his own fruit juices for the first time, with help from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES), administered by the Rural Development Service (RDS).

Mr Reed and his wife, Pam, of Ashill Fruit Farm, near Watton, grow more than 40 varieties of apples, along with other fruit, selling from their farm and at farmers markets across Norfolk.

Despite growing and selling their own produce, they had not been able to press their own juice until they were awarded an RES grant towards a new juice pressing and bottling plant.

Mr Reed, who has farmed at Ashill for more than 20 years, said;

"We will now be able make the most of our crops by pressing them on site to make juices and vinegars.

"Without this, our second grade fruit would have to be transported to other presses or allowed to rot on the ground."

Victoria Perry, an advisor for the Rural Development Service in the East of England, said;

"This project will help the Reeds to safeguard their business and their orchards, as well as saving second grade fruit from going to waste.

"The apple juice will be a high quality, local product which will be sold mainly in the county."