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EU–UK Reset Summit Confirmed: Fresh Produce Industry Must Make Its Voice Heard
Fresh produce businesses have a fresh opportunity to press for changes to the UK–EU Reset after Brussels confirmed that the next summit will take place on 20 November — with agrifood rules among the areas under review. The European Council announced on 12 October that its President, António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will welcome Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Brussels for the second EU–UK summit. Leaders will assess progress since the first
Ireland Imports Around 83% Of Its Fruit And Vegetables As Growers Face Mounting Pressure
Around 83 per cent of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the Republic of Ireland are imported, putting the future of domestic growing and the resilience of fresh produce supplies firmly in the spotlight. The estimate, highlighted by the Climate Change Advisory Council and reported by The Irish Times, comes as Ireland’s commercial vegetable grower numbers have fallen from more than 600 in the 1990s to fewer than 70. However, the import figure requires context. Bord Bia’s sen
New Research Shows Climate Risks And Slowing Productivity Put Fresh Produce Supplies Under Pressure
Europe’s food systems remain among the world’s most resilient, but slowing agricultural productivity growth, rising input costs and climate pressures are threatening their long-term strength, according to new research. Economist Enterprise’s Resilient Food Systems Index, supported by Cargill, assesses 60 countries across affordability, availability, quality and safety, and responsiveness to climate risks. Its European report examines 14 countries, including the UK, Spain, Fra
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Defra Announces Taskforce To Strengthen Flood And Drought Resilience
Farming representatives will join a new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce as Defra seeks to improve preparations for extreme weather. The group is due to meet for the first time on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy will bring together representatives from more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayoral authorities, emergency services and the farming, water and insurance sectors. Its opening meeting will a
Two In Five Farmers Surveyed Have Considered Quitting As Costs Squeeze Profits
More than two in five farmers surveyed in Britain have considered leaving agriculture because of financial constraints, according to McCain Foods' latest Farmdex research. The survey found 42% had considered leaving, while 40% questioned whether they would still be farming in ten years. However, the proportion considering leaving was lower than the 51% reported in McCain's inaugural 2025 survey. Policy uncertainty was negatively affecting farms for 86% of respondents, while 8
Maersk Raises UK And Ireland Inland Fuel Surcharge To 20%
Maersk will raise its emergency fuel surcharge for inland transport in the UK and Ireland to 20% from 12 October 2026, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Danish shipping and logistics group announced the change on 8 October, according to Reuters, and said the rate would be reviewed regularly. The increase concerns inland transportation rather than ocean freight rates. For fresh produce businesses using the affected services, the change could increase the cost
Red Tractor Film Puts British Food Producers In The Spotlight
Red Tractor has launched a farmer-led film, with fruit and vegetable growers among the voices showcased, to celebrate the skills, responsibility, and pride behind British food production in a bid to raise consumer awareness. Released on 6 October, ‘Proud to Farm’, recognises the contribution of more than 40,000 British farmers and growers assured by Red Tractor, and explores the different roles they perform, from food production and crop management to running businesses, main
Lidl Steps Up Price Cuts For Christmas After Record £400m Investment
Lidl GB has committed a further £75 million to customer savings through its Lidl Plus loyalty programme as the discounter ramps up its value offer ahead of the Christmas shopping period. Image: Lidl GB The investment comes alongside £400 million already spent this year on price cuts and promotions across more than 1,200 products covering a range of everyday essentials, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, reports Retail Times. Of the additional £75 million
86% Of British Farmers Cannot Plan Ahead Amid Growing Uncertainty
More than eight in ten British farmers feel unable to plan for the future, and over two in five have considered leaving agriculture, according to new research which calls for technology, sustainable practices, and stronger government support to secure the sector’s future resilience. Research from McCain Foods’ second annual Farmdex survey found that financial pressures, policy uncertainty, and increasingly unpredictable weather are growing concerns for British agriculture. So
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