Bringing British Apples to Market – Varieties, Value & Viability

The Soil Association is a UK-wide sustainable food and farming charity which aims to protect nature by transforming how people eat and farm.

Soil Association

On-farm discussion and orchard walk exploring how growers balance heritage, standard, and new apple varieties for a sustainable future.

Boxford Farms, Stoke by Nayland Resort

Join us on the farm for a day exploring one of the biggest questions facing orchards today: how do we grow and sell fruit in ways that are economically secure, environmentally responsible, and ready for the future?The event will bring together growers and experts for an open discussion, a guided walk through the orchard, and a relaxed lunch. Along the way, we’ll look at the realities of modern apple production, including how heritage, standard, and disease-resistant varieties each fit into the picture.We’ll also talk honestly about the opportunities and uncertainties around newer and more distinctive cultivars — what they offer, what they demand, and how growers decide whether they’re worth the risk.Whether you’re actively growing, planning, or simply curious, the day is designed to share ideas, ask questions, and learn together in the orchard itself.Boxford Farms spans 235 hectares and cultivates a variety of crops, including apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and asparagus. While the farm follows conventional growing practices, in the interest of sustainability and efficiency Boxford manage their crops with minimal inputs.Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be included on the day. Thank you to Robert England at Boxford Farms for hosting this event.You can read more about Boxford Farms on the Soil Association's website here: <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/farmers-growers/case-studies/case-study-robert-england-boxford-fruit-farms/" title="https://www.soilassociation.org/farmers-growers/case-studies/case-study-robert-england-boxford-fruit-farms/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Robert England, Boxford Fruit Farms</a> Agenda 10:00 — Arrival and refreshments - Meet at the Stoke by Nayland resort hotel reception10:30 — Welcome and introduction - Soil Association11:00 — Guided farm walk A chance to see the orchard firsthand. As we walk, Robert will share practical insights into the orchard’s management, variety choices, and long-term strategy.There will be an opportunity to ask questions as we walk around the farm.13:00 — Lunch and informal networking14:00 — Talk on marketing premium apple varieties with Bruce McGlashan of The Orchard Fruit Company.14:30 — Closing remarks and summary Reflections from Head of Horticulture, Anne Rees on top fruit coverage, organic market and a place for heritage varieties15:00 — Depart

Directions What 3 Words: ///outfitter.thanks.transit Accessibility Please wear appropriate clothing for the farm walk as well as appropriate footwear, as we'd expect to cover some uneven ground. Please let us know about any accessibility requirements via the booking form. Dietary requirements Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your place.Filming and photographyPlease be advised that filming and/or photography by Soil Association may take place at this event. To decline consent, you can get in touch or complete an opt-out form on the day.

The Agroecology at Scale demonstration farms are part of a wider partnership between Ocado and Soil Association which has been established to help transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world.

This event is registered for BASIS and NRoSo CPD points. To claim your points, please complete the form what registering at the event. It will be helpful if you have your membership numbers to hand (but not essential).

Data protectionSoil Association takes data protection very seriously and will only collect essential data from participants necessary to use for the running of this event. The Soil Association's full privacy policy is available here: <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/" title="https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/</a>By registering for this event you agree to the terms and conditions stated in our privacy policy. If you have any queries please contact: info.farmingandlanduse@soilassociation.org

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Bringing British Apples to Market – Varieties, Value & Viability

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Bringing British Apples to Market – Varieties, Value & Viability

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