IGD report highlights 10 of the biggest challenges facing the UK food system
Over the next decade, the UK food industry and supply chain will continue to face many of the same disruptions they have in recent years, requiring leaders to be both bold and nimble in their strategies and decision-making. In its latest report “A System Under Pressure: An Overview of Long-Term Risks to the UK Food […]
UK consumers could be forced to sacrifice British Grown quality if soft fruit industry doesn’t get help
Just when the industry was looking to recover from the pandemic, we’ve been plunged into an even greater state of crisis triggered by a number of factors. Increased production costs linked to soaring energy tariffs and the rate of inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022 (a figure that is even higher in agriculture, anything […]
British Berry Growers launch policy board in hopes of ‘securing future’ of industry
British Berry Growers, which represent nearly all of the commercial soft fruit growers in the UK, have formed a Campaign and Policy board to advocate for the industry’s pressing needs. “The value of UK berry production is an estimated £800 million at farm gate and accounts for approximately 33,000 jobs across the country,” Nick Marston, […]
Giles: 7 crucial topics facing fresh produce that were ever-present at Fruit Logistica
Now back from Berlin for a few days, it is time to start sifting through the numerous business cards collected over the three days and think about what needs to be followed up on, with who and when. From the Wednesday through to Friday, we held almost 30 meetings and met clients, friends and colleagues […]
Can Defra’s new schemes that aim to ‘save the planet’ really help farmers rebound?
UK farmers who have been battered by a range of challenges that include labour shortages and rising costs will be getting at least some relief from the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) plan, according to Defra. Defra announced on Thursday it will offer farms up to £1,000 extra in grants provided they can be both […]
Shall this be UK Horticulture’s Defining Decade? Promar’s Giles will speak out at London Produce Show
We’ve worked with John Giles for many years, running many pieces he has written and doing many interviews. You can see some of piece we have run here: 100 Days Post Brexit, What Are The Impacts On The Produce Sector? Taking Trade To The Next Level: Where Does Peru Go From Here? New Initiatives in […]
Produce trade associations form alliance to address rising costs
Fresh produce associations including Freshfel Europe (European Union) and the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters – SHAFFE (Latin America, Oceania, South Africa) have agreed to form a global coalition to address increased costs for fresh produce production and trade. The global coalition also includes Afruibana (West-Africa), China Chamber of Commerce of I/E of […]
UK government grants relief on labour shortage, but is it enough?
British ministers extended some relief to agriculture and the fresh produce industry by allowing to temporary workers to remain in the UK through 2024, though it will begin putting limits on the “reliance on foreign labour.” Affected by Brexit and COVID-19, worker shortages led to food waste and delivery issues in 2019 and early on […]