Location:
Pembrokeshire
Funding amount:
EAFRD (WG RC_RDP Wales) contribution
£39900.00

There is increasing demand from artisan bakers, and more commercial outlets, for ancient species of cereals which are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Their extensive root systems, compared to modern varieties, allow them to access nutrients more efficiently, and from deeper within the soil profile. This allows them to be grown on less fertile soil and with fewer inputs, potentially increase levels of certain nutrients in the grain and compete against weeds. Bread from ancient cereals are widely thought to have better, richer flavours compared to many modern varieties.

Although the demand for these ancient cereal species has increased, it can be difficult to produce them in an economically viable manner, given generally low yields. There is little to no up to date agronomic information relating to ancient cereal varieties, and the ability to carry out research into the effects of different seed rates and under sowing on farm will allow the farmer group to have a better understanding of the agronomy and economics of growing the crops. Caerhys Farm, Caerfai Farm and Lower Harglodd Farm are all located in Pembrokeshire and together represent an excellent mix of experience and motivation to develop their interest in driving the market for ancient cereals in this part of West Wales.

Trial plots will be located on organically managed fields on each of the three farms with suitable uniformity in soil depth, fertility, drainage and topography. The plots will be drilled with 2 ancient varieties of wheat, Einkorn and April Bearded, and 1 modern variety, Mulika for comparison.

The project will focus on two things:

Sowing rate - The wheat will be drilled at 3 different seed rates (low, medium and high).

Undersowing - How, or if, undersowing ancient wheat affects its growth, development, yield, or quality.

Plots will be managed as per normal host farm practises e.g. tined harrow for weed control before undersowing. Post establishment data on plant counts, foliar disease, stem base disease, crop height, ear disease, lodging, harvest yield and quality, and baking quality will all be gathered.

By addressing some key agronomic questions, the project will improve the efficiency of production, and the baking, taste and nutritional test will help us test the claims we make for products based on ancient cereals.

Reports, Videos and Articles

 

Video (September 2019): Gerald Miles, Caerhys Farm, Pembrokeshire discussing th…

Video (July 2019): Tony Little (Innovation Broker) and Gerald Miles, Caerhys Fa…

 

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. 

Further project information:

Name:
Tony Little
Email project contact