"Propagation was, and still is, the most challenging aspect of peat-free production," says Neil Alock, Managing Director at Seiont Nurseries. This company mainly produces young plant shrubs and perennials in plugs and P9. The Wales-based commercial grower embraced peat-free growing, so in January this year they decided to propagate 100% peat-free. In this article, Neil will update us about how the business is going.
Peat-free = increased costs
Although, Neil thinks that there aren't many commercial growers propagating 100% peat-free in the UK and Europe, he believes that it is important to do so. "Some supply chains now demand 100% peat free rather than accepting peat reduced products. We have been potting our P9 peat-free for 14 years as we saw the need to go peat-free many years ago. We knew that legislation would come in at some point. That's why we made the decision to learn and adapt as soon as possible."
Peat-free propagation at Seiont Nurseries
That's not to say that propagating peat-free has been without difficulties for Seiont Nurseries. To the contrary, Neil finds that the additional costs that come with peat-free growing are a true challenge. "Given the growing demand for peat-free products, I would like to think that propagating peat-free would give us a market-advantage. However, so far, it is difficult to see. Peat-free propagation comes with increased costs, we have to pass these to the supply chain. This is difficult due to the downward price pressure from the retail supply chain. Buyers still look at the price first," Neil explains.
He adds that Brexit also leads to less trade and more costs, saying: "Brexit is an absolute disaster, there is no other word for it. Seiont used to export 18% of product across the EU, now it is less than 2%. I am still actively looking to rebuild our exports but there is limited interest just for the newest varieties. I shall not give up or go quiet on this subject. For imports, the UK has been gradually implementing checks after several delays, and of course it just creates delays and more costs which have to be passed on. That said, we still increase our UK sales and are expanding as a company, but I long for the day when we rejoin at least the Customs Union and Single Market."
Peat-free Hebe Pink Starburst
Learning and development
At Seiont Nurseries they highlight the ongoing learning and development at their company. "We learn every day in this job. For propagation we are using three different mixes from different manufacturers as not every plant likes every compost. Similarly, we are always looking for new customers and products." To that end, they are currently working with another UK company to bring a range of unusual shrubs and perennials into mainstream production. "This is a very exciting new project and this type of subject I love working on. We continue to work closely with Pinnacle Plants International, Van Vliet New Plants, Genesis, Plantipp and Breederplants on many other new varieties."
Stage III tissue culture at Seiont Nurseries
For more information:
Seiont Nurseries
Neil Alcock
[email protected]
www.seiontnurseries.com