Bitter apples over GLAS

I was contacted by apple grower Con Traas who is of some renown.

Apple growers had traditionally been involved in agri environmental schemes like REPS, but it would appear GLAS is not going to work out.

At present, orchard owners and apple growers can only apply to GLAS using bird and bat boxes, which would not cover the costs. Apple growers want into GLAS on a low nitrogen input model, but following talks with the Department of Agriculture it is not looking good.

“Apple growing is one of the most environmentally friendly farming practices there, but yet we’re excluded,” Traas said.