Yorkshire farmers cash in as Hovis turns to homegrown wheat (From York Press)

Yorkshire farmers cash in as Hovis turns to homegrown wheat

2:37pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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MORE than 60 Yorkshire farmers are now taking part in a new move by Hovis, the bakers, to switch over to flour milled from 100 per cent British wheat.

They are among 600 farmers nationally who have begun to grow one of the world’s premium red wheats exclusively for Hovis.

Jon Goldstone, marketing director at Hovis, said: “We used to import £18 million worth of Canadian wheat, £18 million which will now go to British farmers. This is a significant amount of cash.”

Among the regional farmers benefiting is Jonathan Hall, a partner at E and JM Hall farms in Malton.

Mr Hall had always wanted to grow red wheat, but it was not common in the UK and he did not want to take a risk.

After learning of Hovis’ initiative to move to 100 per cent British wheat across all its products, Mr Hall seized the opportunity to learn a new skill – and bolster his business in the process.

He said: “I have been farming for more than15 years and working with Hovis has given me the tools to grow red wheat successfully.

“Farmers in Britain lacked the advice about this strain of wheat which is usually grown in places like Canada and Australia, but Hovis has changed that and we’re now growing it successfully. It’s a great feeling to get the backing of such a reputable brand.”

Working closely with experts at Hovis, Mr Hall’s farmers successfully grew 45 acres of red wheat, which is now being used as flour for Hovis products. It has been a business success, so Mr Hall and his farms will be continuing to grow red wheat for Hovis for at least the next three years.

“Being a part of this scheme has been good for us all round. The business is financially doing well and the locals are all talking about it too. They feel proud that the farm in the village is growing wheat for Hovis bread,” he said.

Peter Kendall, president of The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), said: “It is fantastic news that Hovis has committed to source 100 per cent of its wheat from Britain. This shows real support and commitment to UK farming and its skill, professionalism and reliability.”