UK leek production lies in the hands of seed breeders
Farm Director, Patrick Allpress, has been growing leeks for decades but in recent years his approach has changed.
Today, he is in the process of moving from drilling to planting, embedding integrated pest management, and powering his fields with a digestate from the farm’s cutting-edge anaerobic digester.
Patrick knows that the road ahead will still be tough – climate volatility, rising inputs, fewer crop protection products and tighter market margins are all on the horizon. Still, he’s steadfast in his optimism, convinced that the key to a resilient future lies not just in the tools or tactics, but in the leeks’ own genetics.
And he should know. BASF | Nunhems hosts variety trials at Patrick’s farm so he sees first-hand the latest developments. From enhanced resistance development to improved colour and flavour, the future of leeks is in his fields.
