New raspberry this season A new variety of late autumn raspberry bred by Dr Derek Jennings, called Joan Irene and grown under cover, will be commercially picked for the first time on Mockbeggar Farm, Kent, later this season. Growers and AFI sales executives, who are marketing the fruit, met on a farm visit to growers Simon and Peter Brice, who with 60 acres are among the largest UK raspberry producers. They are involved in a constant replanting programme to maintain the quality standards of late bearing fruit. The season lasts until December with the first varieties, Glen Ample and Tulameen, now being picked, Brice estimates: "Everything is about a fortnight earlier than last year. The quality of berries is excellent and we would expect to be picking at least 6t of Ample to the acre at the peak." Growers were also able to discuss moves to extend the blackberry season. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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