Giles Coode-Adams
As a former president of the Royal Agricultural Society and a blackcurrant grower for over 30 years I have a life long passion for and commitment to sustaining this magnificent land.
How long have you been growing blackcurrants?
We’ve been growing for over 30 years.
What varieties do you grow and in what region?
Ben Gairn, Starv, Dorain, Alder, Tirrain, Luar, Vane.
How much do you harvest annually and where do they go?
350 tonnes.
What else do you grow?
Vines, rye, potatoes, Cricket bat willows.
Why do you love growing blackcurrants?
It is totally different from arable farming. Each bush needs its own care.
Can you give one tip that people could benefit from when growing blackcurrants?
Plant yarrow in the alleyways to keep slugs off.
Can you tell us about some of the ways in which you manage the land sustainably?
We have a cover crop in the alleyways and on the headlands to improve soil conditions and help with pollination.
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?
Matisse, he would have loved the colour of the blackcurrants.