Gemma Clarke, Managing Director of Cope Seeds & Grain and a member of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Food Board, talks to us about the how innovation is the key to success in the food industry.

Based in Sleaford, Cope Seeds & Grain is the leading sustainable seed and grain specialist in the UK. It develops varieties that encourage regenerative agriculture, low input, and organic systems and is the largest organic seeds producer and supplier in the UK.  

Cope Seeds is an independent, family-run business rooted in innovation that has been thriving for 20 years. The company’s mission is to bring transparency, quality and integrity to the supply of seed and grain. 

“At Cope Seeds we champion sustainable, regenerative and organic farming practices. Our leading seed varieties are either organic or have qualities which require fewer inputs, which means they have high disease resistance or don’t require as much artificial fertiliser for example,” said Gemma. 

Owing to market challenges such as rising costs and concern about environmental impact, many farmers are starting to grow their own forage for their cattle.  

By becoming more self-sufficient in this way, farmers can save money, reduce their environmental impact and improve milk quality. 

By offering high-quality seeds in the UK, Cope Seeds & Grain helps these farmers overcome these challenges and grow their own forage without having to import. 

As well as spikes in energy costs, the price of fertiliser has also increased, meaning that farmers are also looking for ways to reduce their fertiliser input. 

To meet this demand, Cope Seeds & Grain sells Nelson winter wheat which produces higher protein levels with lower nitrogen inputs (one of the main components in fertiliser).  

“Nelson has consistently delivered since being launched in the UK market 10 years ago, and with the rising input costs really starting to pinch, it’s an even more attractive variety, because it can hit the protein levels required with less nitrogen applied,” says Gemma. 

By selling innovative seeds and grains, Cope Seeds & Grain provides UK farmers with the resources to save themselves money and reduce their environmental impact. 

“We bring organic and low-input varieties to market, so farmers can grow crops in a more sustainable way, and it’s our mission to build domestic end-markets, so our growers can benefit from a secure supply chain. 

“We work with breeders, farmers and end-users, such as millers, to build a sustainable, circular model – championing sustainable UK produce.”