Winter Pulse Cropping
Wizard has now established itself as the most widely grown Winter Bean variety, with over 80% of the 2008 crop. Trade estimates put the 2008 winter bean crop at around 68,000 Ha. The continued demand for UK pulses has had a positive effect on the crop and prices and demand looks good into 2009.

UK Areas grown (based on DEFRA census figures/Wherry estimate )

Spring Cropping
Cropping plans look like having the effect of a further reduction in the pea area but with a swing back in the spring bean area. Peas have suffered with declines in areas grown year on year. Prices have started to balance out this shortfall situation and therefore demand into 2009/10 looks very promising for growers. With new marrowfat varieties such as Sakura and Genki coming through the system with much improved standing ability the future looks good for pea growers in the coming years. The blue pea area is dominated by Phrophet, which has yielded well and suits many different marketing options. Yellow peas are lead by Mascara and Ragtime although areas of yellows have dropped dramatically in recent years. The pea area is less than half of where it was 6 years ago, the long term growers are now left with excellent marketing opportunities for the coming season.

The spring bean area is dominated by Fuego, this has a large market share and is a variety generally suited to the export market.