Tramlines

Live on Farm: The Ripening Story of British Blackcurrants in a Changing Climate

Agrii Season 5 Episode 8

Today we’re recording live from West End Farm in Somerset, home to RAJ Morris and their recent blackcurrant harvest. We’re here in the field with Harriet Prosser, agronomist for Ribena, and Matt Greep, fruit and horticultural agronomist with Agrii. Together, we’ll be exploring the unique challenges of growing blackcurrants – from changing weather patterns to the evolving role of agronomy – and hearing how growers are adapting to keep this iconic crop thriving.

  • Recorded live during harvest – walk the rows at West End Farm and see how the crop is managed in real time.
  • From wartime vitamin C to modern-day market demand – uncover the roots of British blackcurrant production.
  • Managing pests, drought, and unpredictable seasons – hear how agronomists are adapting and supporting growers.
  • Thinking of planting? Learn how variety choice, site selection, and establishment can future-proof your crop.
  • Soil health, chill hours, and yield balance – the key agronomic insights shared by those in the field.

Tony Smith is the host of Tramlines. Based in the South West and from a farming background, he graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture. He spent many years working in the farming industry before moving into a career as a presenter. Tony has hosted Tramlines for the past five seasons.