Goudhurst and Paddock Wood NFU Orchard Competition 2009

The dates for the 59^th Orchard competition have been confirmed as the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th of July for judging and Wednesday the 29^th July is confirmed as the farm walk at the winning orchards.

“We are delighted to confirm Norman Collett as our major sponsor for the second year” announced Martin Webber, NFU group secretary “their support extends to helping steward the judges and assisting in the management of the farm walk event”.  Collett Technical Director, Nigel Jenner, is also confirmed as one of the judges for 2009.

The competition is unique due to it being an entire farm competition.  In other words the judges can look at any or all of the orchards belonging to the entrants and is judged ‘warts an’ all,’ not just based on a single show orchard that has been spruced up for judging day.

Additional sponsorship has been provided by UAP who will be supporting a special prize to commemorate the bicentenary of the Bramley apple – this will be awarded to the overall highest mark for any Bramley orchard.

2008 saw 17 farms competing for the 19 prizes available – a punishing schedule for the four judges who evaluate farms for good environmental management, a commercial crop, pest control and orchard management in just 3 days.

For more information and an application form, please contact Martin Webber on 01580 878105