Broccoli is one of earliest crops on Andrew Green's Herefordshire farm (From Hereford Times)

Broccoli is one of earliest crops on Andrew Green's Herefordshire farm

8:00am Friday 23rd July 2010 in

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A FARMER who specialises in broccoli has produced one of the earliest crops of the season on his Herefordshire farm.

Andrew Green, of Rook Row Farm, Moorend Cross, Mathon, planted 500,000 Tenderstem plants on 10 hectares and is now reaping the harvest which will extend until October.

He trialled a plot of two acres last year and it was such a success that he has boosted the acreage 10-fold, concentrating on bringing the crop on earlier.

“We are very proud that our efforts with great quality plants have delivered the earliest crop of Tenderstem broccoli in the UK. It will be very exciting to see it on the shelves of Waitrose, supplied by our customer, Wealmoor,” said Andrew.

He and his wife Caroline farm 250 acres in the lea of the Malvern Hills and produce a range of crops, including Tenderstem broccoli, runner beans, broad beans, baby courgettes and flat beans.

“The Herefordshire soil retains moisture well, which I believe helps in the summer to support the crops. I think the area in which I farm is probably one of the most beautiful in the country,” said Andrew.

The crops are tended by four full-time staff and up to 100 seasonal workers help out when required.