Reality Check: Taking on an orchard

Running an orchard can be a great lifestyle for a family, particularly if you have teenagers who can help with picking, pruning and running the shop.

By Estelle Sarney

Buying an orchard such as the one featured on the facing page sounds like a lovely way to live in the country, and earn some money off your land.

But to make a living from it you need to know who your customers will be, says Ron Becroft, former orchardist and independent chairman of United Fresh, which runs the 5+ A Day healthy eating programme.

"Learning how to grow different types of fruit is actually pretty easy," says Becroft. "The trick is selling it."

People like himself and others from orchard supply companies are happy to help orchard newcomers learn what they should be doing and when. Local labour can usually be found to help with pruning and picking, and spraying equipment is so efficient these days that it takes only a few hours four or five times a year.

"It's not rocket science, especially if you have any empathy with growing plants. In some ways it's easier to grow 1000 trees than one, because you can manage the environment to prevent pests and disease, and maximise your fruit."

When it comes to selling that fruit, Becroft advises against trying to compete with the big suppliers of supermarkets and fruit shops in the city. They succeed through large volumes and slim profit margins.

Local country markets are an option, but you will need a chiller to keep fruit fresh during the week leading up to market day.

By far the easiest and most profitable alternative is to sell through a shop at your own front gate. Of course it helps if you're located on a main road, so bear this in mind when you're looking for a property to buy.

"Think about what inspires consumers to buy. People find most shopping a sterile experience these days, so if you can drape a bit of magic around your product, inject a bit of personality into your shop, they will stop and come in. Orchards are a bit like vineyards - they have stories to tell, and people like the idea of talking to the grower of the fruit they're about to buy about varieties and weather and crops. There's an element of romance and old world charm in buying from an orchard, especially if buyers know the produce has been picked that morning."

Running a shop from your orchard can involve long hours and seven-day weeks. This can defeat the purpose of living in the country or near a coast. Becroft says you should get your children and extended family involved, pay for extra help to give you a bit of time off, or become a seasonal supplier that shuts for a few months when your crop is finished.

"Running an orchard can be hard work at times, but it is a wonderful life for a family," says Becroft. "It's healthy, outdoors, and children learn a strong work ethic. If they're in the shop they're learning about dealing with customers, money and stock turnover. If they're in the orchard they're learning about plant and land care, plant production and the weather. It suits all ages."