GEORGE SNELL
My name is George Snell, picture here with our dog Nelly in front of a young Ben Alder plantation. My father started growing blackcurrants and I am the next generation along with my brother. I have three children, perhaps the next growers!
How long have you been growing blackcurrants?
I personally hand picked blackcurrants on this farm when I was 6 years old.
What varieties do you grow and in what region?
Ben Alder and Ben Tirran in Hereford.
How much do you harvest annually and where do they go?
All we grow goes to Ribena.
What else do you grow?
Cider fruit.
Why do you love growing blackcurrants?
The idea that we are one of only a few growers producing for that very special brand of Ribena.
Can you give one tip that people could benefit from when growing blackcurrants?
Keep the weeds at bay and pay attention to detail.
Can you tell us about some of the ways in which you manage the land sustainably?
If we maintain the fertility of the soil the crops will produce. We also look after the area around the crops to encourage insects and wildlife, this includes bird and bat boxes and native tree planting. Our farm is a wildlife haven.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy blackcurrants?
Ribena!
If you were a blackcurrant artist what genre of art do you think best represents you in your growing approach and why?
Old master – the traditional growing techniques are very relevant.