Today we are at Thatcher's Cider Company, Myrtle Farm in the heart of Somerset, talking to Chris Muntz-Torres, farm manager, Richard Johnson, cider maker and Matt Greep horticultural agronomist at Agrii. 

Today we are going to ask key questions about sustainable crop production.

How do we integrate IPM?

And how do we connect growing a quality crop with a quality end product?

Sustainable Crop Production at Thatchers Cider Company

Tony Smith: Can you start by telling us about the scale of your operations and the fruit you grow for cider production?

Chris: We’re here in the foothills of the Mendip Hills, Somerset. Thatchers Cider grows 500 acres of apple orchards, and all of our apples are dedicated to cider production.

Key Characteristics of Cider Apples

Tony Smith: As a cider maker, what are the main characteristics you look for in apples to produce quality cider?

Richard: Cider apples are very different from eating apples. The key difference is the tannin content, which gives that mouth-drying sensation, similar to what you find in tea or red wine. Tannins are polyphenols, and we grow specific varieties of apples high in tannins, sugar, and acidity. This balance gives us the sweetness, alcohol content, and crispness we need for a quality cider.

Orchard Management and Agronomy

Tony Smith: Chris, what can you tell us about this particular orchard?

Chris: This orchard grows a traditional Somerset variety called ‘Dabinett,’ which is quite popular for cider. It was planted in 2017, and since it’s a later-blooming variety, we’re just now waiting for the trees to open up.

Tony Smith: Matt, as an agronomist, what’s your role in supporting Chris and the cider production process?

Matt: My role is to support Chris in growing high-yielding, quality crops, while also ensuring the apples meet the cider maker’s needs. I work closely with both Chris and Richard to ensure the apples are suitable for Thatchers' end product, which is very quality-driven.

Managing Pests in Apple Orchards

Tony Smith: Matt, what pests do you monitor at this time of year, and how do you manage them?

Matt: Right now, the key pest we’re monitoring is the apple blossom weevil. It lays its eggs inside fruit buds, and the larvae can damage the flowers, preventing fruit from forming. We assess the pest population before deciding whether to intervene with insecticides or alternative management strategies.

Tony Smith: Chris, how important is this agronomy support in your day-to-day operations?

Chris: It’s essential. Maintaining a strong relationship with Matt ensures we stay ahead of any potential problems. His expertise helps us not only on the farm but also keeps us informed about what’s happening regionally.

Collaborating with Contract Growers

Tony Smith: Chris, you mentioned earlier that Thatchers also relies on contract growers. Can you tell us more about that?

Chris: Yes, in addition to our own orchards, we work with contract growers across the West Country. These contracts typically last for the 25-year lifespan of an orchard, and they’re built on strong, long-term relationships.

Invasive Pests and Sustainable Solutions

Tony Smith: Matt, I see you’ve just been handed a bug. What are we looking at?

Matt: This is likely a leopard moth caterpillar, a pest that can bore into tree trunks, potentially causing significant damage. Although it’s not common, it’s something we keep an eye on because of the potential for tree loss.

Sustainable Farming Practices at Thatchers Cider

Tony Smith: Sustainable farming is crucial for Thatchers. Chris, can you explain what sustainable crop production means for you?

Chris: Sustainable production starts before we even plant a tree. For example, we acquired arable land with low organic matter and began a three-year regeneration project before planting. We also focus on encouraging beneficial insects and pollinators in the orchard. It’s a bit like “mini robot wars,” where good bugs battle bad bugs. We aim to create an ecosystem that manages itself as much as possible.

Tony Smith: Matt, what role do beneficial insects play in sustainable farming?

Matt: Beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies are vital. They provide 24/7 protection by preying on pests like aphids and spider mites. We encourage their presence by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides and planting wildflower plots near the orchards to support biodiversity.

Sustainable Production and Future Planning

Tony Smith: Richard, how important is sustainability to your cider production?

Richard: Sustainability is at the core of what we do, from the orchard to the factory. Our factory is powered by solar panels and biomass boilers, and we reuse water wherever possible. It’s all part of our long-term approach to producing high-quality cider.

Tony Smith: Chris, how far ahead do you plan in terms of orchard management?

Chris: We have to plan decades ahead. Our orchards can last up to 25 years, so we work closely with the cider makers to ensure we’re planting varieties that will meet future market demands.

Research and Development for Future Cider Production

Tony Smith: How do you develop new ideas and stay ahead of the curve in cider production?

Chris: Research is a big part of what we do. Nearly 10% of our orchard area is dedicated to variety trials, including over 100 varieties we’re testing to see what works best for the future.

Richard: The research allows us to create small batches of cider in our pilot plant. We can then test these batches in the market to gauge consumer response before committing to large-scale production.

Final Thoughts: Key Messages for Growers

Tony Smith: To wrap up, what’s one key message you’d like listeners to take away from this podcast?

Chris: Understand your end user. Everything we do is aimed at producing a product that people want to buy. Having a joined-up supply chain helps us stay responsive to market needs.

Richard: My message is similar—listen to your customers but also communicate with your suppliers. It’s about connecting both ends of the supply chain to deliver a product that people love.

Matt: For perennial crop growers, remember that every action has long-term consequences. Decisions you make today will affect your crop for years to come, so always think long term.