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”