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Farmers Demand Rethink Of Produce Rules As Heatwave Crops Go To Waste
Farmers are calling for retail appearance standards to be urgently reconsidered after this summer's extreme heat left fruit and vegetables misshapen, discoloured or unable to grow properly. Growers say perfectly usable produce is being thrown away because it does not meet retailers' specifications, raising concerns about unnecessary food waste and the resilience of Britain's food supply as extreme weather becomes increasingly disruptive. Among those affected is potato grower
Bailey Says AI And Robotics Are Critical To UK Growth
Artificial intelligence and robotics could become vital engines of UK economic growth, according to Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, in comments carrying significant implications for Britain's labour-intensive fresh produce industry. Speaking to Bloomberg TV at the US Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole symposium in Wyoming, Bailey said Britain needed both faster economic expansion and stronger productivity. He described the UK's growth outlook as different from that
Heatwave Fuels Salad Sales But Puts Growers Under Pressure
Britain's long, hot summer delivered a welcome surge in salad sales, but behind the supermarket shelves, growers faced a far more complicated battle with volatile temperatures, shifting consumer demand and an unforgiving production cycle. John Shropshire, chairman of G's Fresh Group, said the warm weather initially worked in the company's favour as shoppers bought considerably more salad. Yet demand for fresh produce can change almost overnight - and a spell of rain can leave
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Brexit Trade Losses Reignite Single Market Debate As FPC Warns Global Supply Must Be Protected
Brexit is costing Britain an estimated £11.7 billion a year in lost exports, according to new figures that have intensified calls for the UK to rebuild closer trading ties with the European Union. Analysis from Logistics UK, reported by The Independent, estimates that the export revenue lost compared with 2019 is equivalent to approximately £400 for every UK household each year. The trade body, which represents freight and logistics businesses, said UK goods exports by tonnag
Growers Win Vital Reprieve As UK Confirms 41,000 Seasonal Worker Visas
British growers have received a major boost after the Government maintained the Seasonal Worker Scheme allocation at 41,000 horticulture visas for 2027, easing fears that further restrictions could leave farms without enough people to harvest their crops. The allocation, which matches the 2026 quota, has now been finalised alongside 1,900 visas for seasonal poultry workers. The decision provides fruit, vegetable, flower and plant producers with crucial certainty as they make
Sunkist And VIDAfresh Join Forces To Expand Premium Citrus Range In UK
Sunkist Growers has announced a new alliance with Kent-based fresh produce importer and distributor VIDAfresh, aimed at increasing the availability of premium Sunkist-branded citrus across the UK. L-R: Christian Harris, Scott Davies (image courtesy of Sunkist) Launching with the forthcoming Northern Hemisphere citrus season, the programme will offer oranges, easy peelers, lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomelos and other hard citrus varieties. The range has been selected for its
UK Greenhouse Sector Maps Out 10-Year Modernisation Plan
A proposed 10-year investment framework could provide a coordinated route for renewing and expanding the UK’s food-producing greenhouse infrastructure by aligning the requirements for finance, energy, labour and technology. Image: GIC The Greenhouse Innovation Consortium (GIC) is developing the UK Greenhouse Modernisation and Expansion Programme (UK-GMEP), a 170-plus-page blueprint that sets out the infrastructure and investment requirements of the sector, reports Hortidaily.
Bumper British Berry Harvest Points To Self-Sufficiency Opportunity
British berry growers are reporting a stronger-than-expected crop this season, with production running 6% ahead of an already bumper 2025, potentially paving the way for increased domestic supply over imports. Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries have been among the strongest performers following two-thirds of the harvest, according to British Berry Growers (BBG), and reported by The Guardian. This year’s hot conditions have accelerated ripening and growth, although the
Incoming greosn COO Daniel Boakes To Drive Global Expansion
Fresh produce investment firm greosn has appointed Daniel Boakes as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to strengthen the leadership team and support the next phase of growth across its international horticultural grower group. Image: greosn | Daniel Boakes, COO Boakes, who was Managing Director of Dole’s UK retail business for seven years, will use his expertise in imported supply and UK retail to complement greosn’s global farming position. According to a press release from the
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