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Fuel Price Surge Sparks Fresh Fears for UK Farmers as Global Crisis Deepens
British farmers are facing mounting cost pressures as fuel prices continue to climb in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Iran, with industry leaders warning of a growing threat to farm viability and domestic food production. The global energy shock—triggered by disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz—has already pushed up petrol and diesel prices across the UK, feeding into wider inflation and raising concerns about a renewed cost-of-living squeeze. For agricul
‘Whopping’ 1.7 Tonnes Of Chips Seized In Multi-Agency Food Safety Crackdown
A large-scale food safety operation in Stratford-upon-Avon has resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 1.7 tonnes of ready-cut chips, highlighting ongoing concerns around food handling and compliance within local businesses. Officers from Warwickshire Police, working alongside environmental health, trading standards and immigration enforcement teams, carried out coordinated inspections across the town. The operation aimed to identify breaches relating to food saf
ADOPT Grants Aim To Turn Farm Innovation Into Action
New funding opportunities are being highlighted to help farmers move from ideas to implementation, with ADOPT grants designed to support innovation at farm level and overcome common barriers to progress. The initiative, part of the UK’s wider Farming Innovation Programme, is aimed at farmers who may have strong concepts but lack the “time, headspace or support” to bring them to life. ADOPT (Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies) funding focuses on enabling fa
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Higher Costs ‘Will Have To Be Passed On’, Say Growers
British fresh produce growers are warning that the industry will have little choice but to pass some of their input cost increases through the supply chain as the ceasefire in Iran comes too late for this season. The conflict has already driven up fuel and fertiliser costs at a critical time for planting fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK. Ali Capper, who heads up grower association British Apples and Pears (BAPL), said the impact will be felt this season even if the ceas
Lidl Unveils Ambitious £600m Store Expansion Plan
Lidl GB has announced plans to open more than 50 stores over the next 12 months, signalling more shelf space, more local reach, and more supply opportunities for British fresh produce growers. Image: Lidl GB The discounter said in a press release that its new £600 million investment in its British store network will create more opportunities for national suppliers, giving British businesses more certainty to invest. Already, Lidl said two-thirds of its products already come
BerryWorld UK Promotes Paul Avery To Managing Director
Commercial Director Paul Avery has stepped into the role of Managing Director at BerryWorld UK, following the retirement of Paul Cole after 21 years with the business. Image: BerryWorld UK | Paul Avery Incoming MD Avery benefits from over twenty years of experience at BerryWorld, the company said, and brings “extensive cross-functional experience” and a “deep understanding” of the business to lead BerryWorld into its next phase. Avery joined BerryWorld in 2006 as an Infrast
US-Iran Ceasefire May Not Ease UK Prices Quickly
The two-week ceasefire in the Middle East is unlikely to bring immediate relief for UK consumers and fresh produce suppliers, with analysts warning that food, fuel, and energy prices may stay under pressure for some time. The main concern is that lasting economic damage has been done, meaning any fall in oil or wholesale costs may take time to reach fuel forecourts and supermarket shelves. Although markets may react quickly, UK households are reportedly unlikely to see an i
Morocco Sets Record For Pepper Exports To UK
Morocco is strengthening its position in the UK fresh produce market as its sweet pepper exports continue to climb sharply, reaching a record volume in 2025, according to new trade data. Global Trade Tracker data analysed by EastFruit shows that UK imports of Moroccan sweet peppers doubled last year to 8,100 tonnes – more than twice the volume recorded in 2024. Shipments to the UK have expanded rapidly in recent years, making the UK one of the fastest-growing destinations.
New Pea Trials Tackle £65m Virus Losses
UK pea growers are facing a growing threat from crop viruses, with losses estimated at up to £65 million a year, prompting a new field-based trial designed to improve virus control decisions and reduce wasteful spraying. Backed by Defra’s ADOPT fund and led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) with growers from the Green Pea Company network, the project will assess the full spectrum of viruses in commercial vining pea crops, and when intervention is genu
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