Large tonnages of French and Canadian imported peas are now entering the UK as growers resist selling. This has set a firm ceiling on the UK price. The need to empty stores for the Spring makes it a fragile market.

More positively, Frontier report that spring seed sales of all pulses have picked up recently encouraged by the buy-back contracts on offer. Growers should ensure orders are in early as supplies may be tight.

Feed Beans

Feed opportunities are not available due to lack of vessels and full stores. As a result of this prices are off the recent peaks, and even New Year prices are starting to drop; export interest is needed to stimulate the market. Compounders are supplied up until March and do not want to bid on any at the moment.

Export Beans

Markets are reported to be quiet in the Middle East as they await the outcome from the Australian crop. Thousands of tonnes have been loaded (bulk) in France, but all the UK crop will also be in demand. Human Consumption Spring beans are worth around £210 for February, and it is hoped the market will re-awaken in the New Year.

Marrowfats

£200 per tonne is being paid for average quality with good samples fetching £250, but the market is still slow. Japan awaits Canadian samples. Demand from the chip shop trade has slowed after the price increases for both peas and fish! November contract prices of up to £250 a tonne are being discussed to encourage UK planting, which is at risk at the moment. Check the small print!

Blue Peas

Micronisers have sufficient cover and prices have reached £200-220 for better quality blues. The high ex-farm prices are preventing the UK from competing effectively in the export markets, except where pre-season contracts were placed. Green peas are in the region of £210-220 depending on quality and area. Canada is taking the export markets at present.

Yellow Peas

Again a fragile market after French and Canadian imports have taken up the slack. No UK material with any quality is left in the market

New varieties for 2008

Over the last few years there has been a number of new pea varieties with outstanding yields. Coupled with improved standing ability and good downy mildew resistance, we have a list of reliable varieties that give a real choice to suit all the main premium markets. Mascara and Ragtime head the white peas while Crackerjack and Bluemoon are added as large blues. Sakura and Falstaff are new marrowfat types. The spring bean Fuego is still the highest yielding variety on this years list, but two new ones have been included for the first year one of which, Betty has excellent resistance to downy mildew. Full lists are on the PGRO web site.