Last winter this virus led to supply problems for Spanish cucumbers, and CGA members were keen to see first hand the potential impact the virus could have on their production.

The members included a strong contingent from Abbey View Produce – managing director Brian Hibberd, technical manager Gill Wardell, quality assurance manager Paul Coats, and marketing manager Luke Hibberd. Other Lea Valley members included Tino Schrembri, Frank Cannatella, Franco Pullara, Joe Amodeo, Vince Bonfante and Vince Cappalonga.

Rijk Zwaan showed visitors around one of its trial sites and took them to nurseries growing varieties tolerant to CVYV. This season many cucumber growers are producing a mixture of tolerant varieties and crops looked well at the early stage. While seed availability has meant that less than100 per cent of virus-tolerant varieties have been planted, the portfolio of varieties CGA members saw with Rijk Zwaan has the potential to ensure steady supplies from Spain this season.