Hopes for growing cider apple orchards could be boosted by a visit next week of an established expert.
The Manx Cider Company has made no secret it would love to source more cider from orchards in the island.
Now the Manx National Farmers’ Union, along with the Manx Cider Company and DEFA, have invited orchard specialist John Worle to give a presentation on the establishement of cider apple orchards. John has been involved in apple growing and cider since he was 17 working in various cider and apple companies and has grown over half a million bare rooted trees in Herefordshire.
The Manx Cider company, run by Benn and Vicky Quirk, would be interested in working with producers willing to plant cider apple orchards in the island. Benn told Business News last year:‘It would have been lovely to have access to a ready supply of cider apples, unfortunately there are only very limited supplies on the island hence at present my cider is made up from a blend of Manx and Herefordshire cider apples’.
The meeting is at DEFA at Thie Slieau Whallian at 7.30 next Tuesday. Vicky Quirk can be contacted on 302431.