NFU launches progress technique for UK horticulture sector

The Nationwide Farmers’ Union (NFU) has in the present day (Wednesday, March 1) launched a progress technique for the UK’s horticulture sector which it’s calling for the federal government to assist to minimise “future provide chain disruption”.

The technique units out ten insurance policies which underpin the success of the sector, allow long-term progress and make sure the contemporary provide of produce on grocery store cabinets, the union stated.

The insurance policies concentrate on ten “key” constructing blocks:

• Entry to labour;
• Entry to inexpensive and sustainable vitality provides;
• Entry to crop safety;
• Entry to water;
• Productiveness funding;
• Equity within the provide chain;
• Entry to environmental funding schemes;
• Entry to sustainable rising media;
• An enabling planning coverage;
• Enabling import controls for crops and plant merchandise.

Talking on the launch of the expansion technique, NFU president Minette Batters stated the horticulture sector is “bold” and desires the “full assist of the federal government” to provide extra.

“That’s why in the present day we’re setting out the important thing priorities wanted to stabilise the challenges dealing with the sector within the brief time period and assist to ship long-term progress and a thriving, world-class horticulture sector sooner or later,” she stated.

“The implications of undervaluing growers will be seen on grocery store cabinets proper now. Cabinets are empty. It is a actuality we’ve been warning authorities about for a lot of months.

“With out pressing motion there are actual dangers that vacant cabinets might develop into extra commonplace as British horticulture companies wrestle with unprecedented inflationary pressures, most notably on vitality and labour prices.”

Batters stated the horticulture sector is able to delivering extra nutritious meals, and growers are properly positioned to contribute to vitality safety for the nation and assist attain the 2040 web zero goal.

“To satisfy this ambition, authorities should ship on the levers for progress within the sector it highlighted in its Meals Technique final summer season,” she stated.

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair, Martin Emmett, stated farmers and growers have gone with out the federal government assist they want for too lengthy.

“For too lengthy, we’ve solely had heat phrases from authorities about how vital the horticulture sector is however no element on the way it needs to attain progress,” he stated.

“Our technique units out the important thing cornerstones and actions authorities might take to allow progress for the sector, together with incentives to advertise funding in water infrastructure, long-term certainty on accessing seasonal labour, higher funding, and supportive nationwide and native planning coverage.  

“The time to behave is now. We’d like a authorities that champions UK horticulture and recognises the advantages that residence grown fruit, veg, crops and flowers ship for the financial system, well being and the environment, and with a plan to exhibit a tangible dedication to growers.”