Plant propagators with a Difference.

Pressing forward in their technical aims, Hargreaves have invested heavily in skilled personnel. Last year the Company announced it has established its own strawberry and raspberry trials to further satisfy itself that it could stand behind the advice given on new varieties. These trials are meticulously managed by Dr Tony Hayter and are intended to be expanded upon shortly

Recognising the increasing difficulty in control of disease under intensive management Hargreaves have just appointed another eminent plant scientist, Dr Roger Cook. Dr COok is a renowned mycologist and a leading expert in diseases such as Blackpot. He has been given the task of further diversifying the SupaViga range.

The summer, Hargreaves Plants LTD has joined with AMS and FAST in co-sponsoring the vital work on the Soft Fruit Technology Group at Reading University. Hargreaves is investing heavily in researching the vagaries of soft fruit plant growing and acknowledges the collaboration of Reading University as an important element in the way forward. The company is considering employing a leading agronomist to complete its current technical development phase.

High on the company's future agenda is to represent a number of the world's leading soft fruit breeders. hargreaves sees itself in a short period of time as the principal supplier of plants to the country's leading fruit producers offering new varieties. SupaViga grade plants and the best growing advice available. It is well on the way to achieving these targets.

So confident of the future in soft fruit is Hargreaves Plants LTD that it is currently looking at an even wide range of species including investigating blueberry production. Developing business on the European mainland and expanding into countries such as South Africa and Kenya is also in the company's five year plan.

In just four short years since the inception of Hargreaves Plants LTD, developed from the old family partnership John Hargreaves & Sons, teh company has succeeded in reaching the leading position in the Uk achieving world recognition for its plant raising skills and quality standards.

Autumn 2002