Interview: Horticulture sector going through ‘Brexit bonuses’ of hardship

Affiliate professor of horticulture at College School Dublin within the Republic of Eire, Owen Doyle, has mentioned that the UK horticulture sector is going through the “Brexit bonuses” of low labour provide and excessive power prices.

Talking to Agriland, Doyle mentioned the sector is struggling in consequence, and farmers are discovering it arduous to remain within the business.

“There are growers in England who haven’t planted in any respect this yr. They’ve made the choice to not develop a crop as a result of they can’t make the figures add up,” he mentioned.

Compared to Northern Eire, Doyle mentioned horticulture is on a a lot bigger scale in England, Scotland and Wales, so prices are “much more vital”.

UK horticulture farmers are struggling “fairly severely” he mentioned, in fruit productions, subject vegetable manufacturing and glasshouse manufacturing.

“The most important drawback, over the previous few years with the pandemic, is that the UK might actually develop the crops, however there was no one to reap them,” Doyle mentioned.

This drawback, he mentioned, is mirrored in points with meals provide. Simply yesterday, (Wednesday, February 21) Asda and Morrisons introduced non permanent limits on the quantity of sure vegetables and fruit prospects should buy.

Meals inflation

Prior to now, Doyle mentioned, the price of meals, for almost all of individuals, didn’t make up “vital percentages of their expenditure”, however now meals costs are excessive and persevering with to rise.

“Now the price of meals has gone up and can in all probability proceed to go up till the power costs relieve to some extent,” he mentioned.

Chief government of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Helen Dickinson mentioned even a latest rise in client spending couldn’t “sustain with the double-digit inflation charges”.

“With client confidence falling barely, and excessive prices all through the provision chain stopping costs from falling, it’s a bumpy street for households.

“Nevertheless, retailers are taking steps to chop prices and restrict worth rises the place they will, to assist their hard-pressed prospects.”