Processors and Growers Research Organisation

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A brief history of PGRO

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In 1944, the "Home Grown Threshed Peas Joint Committee" was formed by a group of growers, processors and merchants to investigate ways of improving the growing, harvesting and usage of dried peas.

In 1956, the field of activity was expanded to include vining peas and the name became the Pea Growing Research Organisation.  In 1963 further expansion saw the inclusion of broad beans, dwarf green beans and runner beans. 

In 1973,  Ministry support allowed studies on navy beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots and sweet corn and to reflect this, whilst keeping the acronym of PGRO, the name was changed to Processors and Growers Research Organisation.

Since 1981, PGRO has contributed to the development of peas and beans, and more recently lupins, for animal feeding, whilst maintaining its work with vegetables.

Since its inception, PGRO has largely been funded by voluntary crop levies, complemented by an Asosciate Membership Scheme and a range of priced Technical Services.  It is governed by a council with members taken from all sides of the industry and became a registered charity in June 1982. 

Work with carrots was re-introduced in 2002.

During its history, the Organisation has been closely involved with the production of new plant types, and new seed and crop protectants have been studied together with the agronomy and harvesting of new varieties and new ideas on usage.

The main focus of PGRO work is now related to peas and beans for both animal feed and human consumption.  However work is also carried out on lupins and carrots and from time to time on other crops that have potential value to UK farmers.

Research is now undertaken on a national scale for all major aspects of crop production and use and contract trials can be placed with higher education or research institutes.  A number of post-graduate students have been sponsored or co-sponsored to work on specific aspects of crop production that should be of value to UK farmers.