being destroyed because of a lack of refrigeration facilities.

Only last week growers feared that much of a bumper broccoli crop could end up on the compost heap because there is not enough cooler space to store it.

But now Staples Holdings Ltd. have come up with a solution, in the form of a disused warehouse complete with chiller facilities.

Mike Johnson of Staples said there are several thousand square feet of refrigerated space at the former Winter Cookson building on Serpentine Road, Pembroke.

He is offering the space to farmers prepared to pay the start-up and running costs of the units. Mr. Johnson can be contacted on 292-9900.

Last week, Warwick farmer Roland Hill dumped 2,000 pounds of broccoli after failing to sell or find storage space for the crop.

Yesterday, he said the plan could work and provide an outlet for many growers.

"It is a great idea,'' he said. "And I am sure other people would be interested in it.'' VEGETABLES VEG