Name

Ben Barnes

Location

Malvern 

Key Specialism

Field Vegetables

Sector

  • Horticulture

Why are you an effective Advisor?

  • I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, from both a research & development and practical growing perspective
  • I draw on a range of techniques used by one of the largest vegetable producers in the UK (G’s), combined with practical small scales tips developed through my own trial and error growing at a small scale
  • I am from a farming background and understand the main issues that farmers face and can relate to them on a personal level through shared experiences
  • I have a experience of controlled environment agriculture from vertical farming, greenhouses and polytunnels and can advise on many aspects, including design and business plans
  • I have support in-house research to help solve agronomic challenges including pest, diseases, weeds and physiology problems
  • I can advise on the production of year-round vegetable production, through programming and optimal use of indoor/outdoor spaces
  • I can advise on integrated pest management strategies including integrated weed management
     

Qualifications/Achievements/Experience

  • BASIS qualified agronomist in field vegetables
  • 10+ years of practical farming experience over a range of different production systems 
  • 4+ years of research (propagation, vertical farming and pest monitoring), as part of the G’s innovation team
  • 3+ years of small-scale vegetable production
  • Nearly 1 year providing consultancy services to farmers
     

Top Tip/Quote

“Year-round vegetive production is achievable by anyone in the UK”