Avonbank fruit
The fruit and organic crops unit is responsible for growing
fruit and vegetable crops over 14ha of the college as well as
producing apple juice and cider from fruit grown in the
orchards.
Fruit and vegetables are grown to supermarket standards, under
Assured Food Standards and the Red Tractor scheme which ensures
that food is produced with hygiene, animal welfare and
environmental impact in mind.
We sell 25-30 tonnes of fruit to the supermarkets each year, as
well as to local green grocers, the college refectory, plant centre
and farmers’ markets.
Crops include:
- apples
- plums
- pears
- cherries
- strawberries
- raspberries
- currants
- vegetables.
Our orchards contain commercial growing systems and modern
production methods for hands on experience.
Organic horticulture has been part of Pershore College since the
mid 1980’s and the college has a 0.5ha plot certified by the Soil
Association which is used for growing vegetables and fruit for
local sales and supply to a box scheme.
The organic site enables students to see the differences between
organic and conventional systems as well as methods applicable to
the amateur gardener or smallholder. Students are able to plan and
grow a crop from selection through to marketing.
Contact: Robin Bickley
Tel:01386 551 151