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Europe And Africa Eye Landmark Undersea Tunnel Links To Transform Trade Routes
Europe and Africa could soon be physically connected by a pair of ambitious subsea tunnel projects, as governments and engineers explore new ways to strengthen trade resilience amid growing disruption across global shipping routes. At the heart of the plans are two separate schemes with dramatically different scales but a shared strategic goal: reducing reliance on vulnerable maritime chokepoints and creating faster, more direct links between the continents. The first, a prop
Fresh Chance For Growers As New Fund Aims To Turn Ideas Into Action
Farmers with innovative ideas but limited time or support are being given a fresh opportunity to bring those concepts to life, as new funding looks to bridge the gap between ambition and delivery. The latest initiative, part of Defra’s wider Farming Innovation Programme, is designed to help farmers move from early-stage thinking into practical, on-farm application. Delivered by Innovate UK, the scheme focuses on supporting real-world trials that test new practices and technol
Amazon Plots Fresh Assault On UK Grocery Market With Delivery-Led Strategy
Amazon is preparing a renewed push into the UK grocery sector, signalling a significant strategic reset as it looks to finally crack one of retail’s most complex and competitive markets. The move comes despite years of limited traction in Britain, where the tech giant has struggled to translate its e-commerce dominance into meaningful grocery market share — still estimated at below 1% after more than a decade in the category. A Strategic Reset After Store Retreat According to
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
UK Apple Supply Under Threat As Orchard Renewal Slows, Warns BAPL
Rising input prices are pushing UK apple and pear production costs significantly higher this season, limiting new planting and raising concerns about domestic supply capacity, according to British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL). Since early March 2026 inflation has added £31.30 per tonne to the cost of producing Gala apples in the UK, according to a new BAPL-commissioned report from consultancy Andersons Midlands, which examines the impact of recent geopolitical tensions in Ir
British Berry Growers Face ‘Sharp, Significant’ Production Cost Jump
Soft fruit growers across the UK are facing a sudden wave of fresh cost pressure in the last few weeks as the price of core production inputs rises ahead of the 2026 season, leading British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston to call for supply chain recognition. New analysis from Andersons Farm Business Consultants, based on grower data, shows sharp increases since 1 March 2026 in fertiliser, crop protection, packaging, and transport costs. For soft fruit businesses, these
Farm Tour Highlights Food Industry Challenges To MPs
A cross-party group of MPs has visited a high-efficiency demonstration farm to gain practical insight into how sustainable, cost-effective food production operates across the UK supply chain, while discussing the current geopolitical challenges facing farmers and growers. Image: NFU The visit on Friday 24 April formed part of the National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, an initiative designed to give policymakers direct exposure to agricultural pro
Fresh Produce Shortages Loom As Input Crisis Bites
Fruit and vegetable shortages are expected soon in UK supermarkets, along with higher food prices, as rising fertiliser, energy, and fuel costs begin to impact planting decisions and crop output. Industry experts warn that staples including potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, plus some fruits are among the most exposed foods. Looking ahead, reduced plantings and lower yields are also likely to tighten availability later this year and into early 2027. “There is a rea
New Trial Targets Faster Payback For UK Apple Growers
An on-farm trial is underway to assess whether biochar-based soil treatments can improve orchard establishment success, reduce financial exposure, and accelerate returns for UK apple businesses. Image: BAPL Funded by Defra’s ADOPT programme and led by topfruit grower organisation British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the project has now begun on two commercial production sites in Kent. Enhanced soil amendments are being examined to determine whether they can support stronge
Fruit & Veg Industry Support Sought For Breakfast Push
With only 6% of breakfasts containing fruit, Veg Power has launched a mission to increase fresh produce and bean consumption at breakfast time, calling on UK retailers and horticultural organisations to back the cause. Image: Veg Power On 21 May, the UK-based not-for-profit will roll out a ‘Breakfast in Colour’ social media and digital campaign in a ‘battle against the beige’ to make breakfasts healthier, more colourful, enjoyable, and achievable for families. To support its
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