Industry first: New bean bi-cropping opportunity

A ‘gamechanger’ for organic growers

A new spring bean and wheat organic bi-cropping opportunity has been launched by Cope Seeds and Grain in partnership with Abacus Agriculture. 

Farmers are urged to consider the proven bi-cropping contract, which has mutually beneficial outcomes for both beans and wheat crops, suppressing weeds naturally, raising wheat protein content and fixing nitrogen in the soil. 

Crops can be harvested and stored together and are cleaned and separated by the buyer, meaning farmers won’t have to worry about separating the beans and grain themselves. 

According to Stephen Briggs, farm consultant at Abacus Agriculture, the combination cropping is proven. “I have been bi-cropping wheat and beans on farms for many years successfully. 

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to grow organic beans and wheat to high levels of quality on their own. It’s time to adapt our farming systems to the effects of climate change and this bi-cropping opportunity helps to mitigate our changing weather patterns,” he says. 

The contract is for Mulika Spring Wheat and either LG Cartouche or Victus Spring Beans and interested farmers can contact Cope Seeds to learn more by emailing gemma@copeseeds.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1529 421081. Visit www.copeseeds.co.uk to view the contract proposal.