An examination of the practical and financial potential for growing small scale asparagus organically at 2 locations in South Wales

Asparagus has good potential in Wales as it’s a high value crop which is a good draw for farm gate sales. The crop falls into the hungry gap period from the end of April to the end of June when few other crops are available in the UK. The crop benefits from freshness and short supply chain markets that supermarkets are generally unable to compete with. While there is a great demand for asparagus, the high establishment costs and long period before first harvest can make growing the crop unattractive to small scale growers.

The aim of this project is to monitor outputs and benchmark organic asparagus growing from establishment through to first harvest on two farms in Monmouthshire at a field scale. Assessing the viability of organic asparagus will allow a thorough understanding of the practical and financial requirements of growing the crop, and would provide useful information for the wider sector. 

As part of the 3-year project, different varieties of asparagus crowns will be planted on both farms.

• This year (2018), following planting in April, the emerging crop will be monitored for % emergence, fern numbers and height. A sample of the asparagus will be dug up in order to count bud clusters for an indication of potential yield.
• In year 2, depending on the fern volume in year 1, a light pruning cut may be made, for around 2 weeks, then the fern will be left to develop. If the fern is not sufficiently strong the crop will be left to develop and fern number, height and quality will be assessed. As with year one, a sample of bud clusters will be counted, to give an indication of potential yield.
• In year 3 a light crop is likely to be taken at the end of May, so yields of 3 grades can be taken, jumbo, medium and sprue. Ongoing data will continue to be gathered on weed/pest incidence, performance and costs of management of the crop to allow the financial benchmarking to be carried out.
• In the final year, the crop is likely to be cut in late June. A projection of the first major harvest of the crop will be made through assessing the plants from the previous autumn to early spring. Current organic retail prices will be utilised along with standard harvesting costs.

Reports, Videos and Articles

Report (June 2019): Organic asparagus project interim report

Technical Publication (May/June 2018): An examination of the practical and fina…

Video (May 2018): Organic Asparagus (Robert Whittal, Square Farm)

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020.