Shadow minister for agriculture and fisheries, John Hayes, will unveil new raspberry variety Polka at Fruit Focus on July 30.

Hayes said: 'I am delighted to undertake this opportunity to introduce Polka to UK fruit growers. Raspberry consumption has risen from 800 tonnes to 1,300t in the last two years. The UK retailers are experiencing an approximate 70 per cent increase in volume marketed this season so far. This represents a real opportunity for UK fruit producers.' Bred by Dr Danek at Brzenza Research in Poland, Hargreaves Plants has exclusive UK propagation rights for Polka. Company director Rupert Hargreaves said that samples of Polka have been fantastic, with an average berry size of 6.6 grammes. 'We expect to see Polka becoming Europe's first choice variety in the autumn fruiting sector as soon as enough plants are available,' he added.

Hayes will also present a keynote paper entitled the Future of British Agriculture and Horticulture at Hargreaves Plants' third annual seminar to be held in Maidstone on July 29.

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