Fruit farmer, John Tobutt, 66, has been shedding light on the sunny summer season that saw record fruit yields this year.

However, it’s not all smiles for farmers in north Kent.

Mr Tobutt, from Foxendown Fruit Farms in Meopham, told News Shopper about the double edge sword of the long summer and what it's meant for farmers.

News Shopper:
It's not as easy as a walk in the park for apple growers like John Tobutt

The apple man’s argument is that of mainstream economists: when supply is high, demand falls.

He said: "For me as a farmer, the concern is whether I can make money out of the good season as high yields often depress prices.

"There have been some nice fruit growing this year, I don’t dispute that, but it’s one of those double edged swords - it’s not just about having a good crop.

The farmer also believes that the problem is compounded by supermarkets’ stance on local produce.

The farm supplies his crops to the region with a staff of four part-time pickers.

News Shopper:
The apple man admits it's been a good harvest, but there's more to farming than that

At the height of the summer the farm employs extra people to deal with the soft fruits like strawberries and top fruit like apples. Mr Tobutt said: "It’s the other side of the coin.

"We have had a nice crop of apples, pears and strawberries earlier in the season, but you go into the supermarkets and their prices don’t seem to reflect the farmers’ situation."

The combination of both rain and sunlight during winter and spring, followed by a dry summer, has swelled the apples to a decent commercial size this year but the conditions have also brought unwanted visitors.

According to the farmer the number of Codling moths and black flies has been "exceedingly high" this year.

Top Stories: 

The pesky moth poses a big problem for Kent farmers because of its nature to burrow into the apples.

Mr Tobutt now uses pheromone traps to deal with the insects because he has less access to pesticides.

News Shopper:
Coddling moth levels appear to be on the rise 

He was an agricultural engineer before he took over his parent's farm and knows the effects and results of bio-chemicals.

The farmer said: "It’s one of those things that splits public opinion: yes the environment is important but now pests are now able to build up a resistance to the products we have in our limited arsenal."

Foxendown Fruit Farms started in the 1930s when Mr Tobutt’s grandfather bought the first part of what is now the current farm.

News Shopper:
Ripe apples ready for picking at the apple man's farm

Mr Tobutt said: "In spite of all the difficulties with growing a crop, when you see it blossom and give fruit, there’s no feeling quite like it."

The picking season at Foxendown Fruit Farms is in full swing with Early Windsor, St Edmunds Pippin, Cox, Red Pippin, Jupiter and Spartan apples ripe and ready for the taking.

5 things the Apple man has to say about the summer season
1. Good yield
2. Coddling moth & black fly on the rise
3. Pesticide variation
4. Higher yield means less £
5. Markets dictating prices