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

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

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

Experts have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to treat food shortages as a national security issue, with increased UK fruit and vegetable production among their priorities. An open letter delivered on 5 October warns that Britain is inadequately prepared for serious disruption to food supplies. Foodrise, which coordinated the initiative, reports more than 180 signatories, including academics, farmers and community food leaders. The signatories identify climate change, geopol

Norfolk fruit grower Place UK has warned of uncertainty over seasonal labour beyond 2030, highlighting the continuing dependence of British soft fruit production on overseas workers. Image: Place UK The Tunstead-based business employs around 700 people during the summer. Its fruit pickers are either Seasonal Worker visa holders or EU citizens with settled status, while approximately 85 per cent of workers staying on-site this year had previously worked at the farm. Co-managin

Specialty vegetable and exotic fruit supplier FairFruit has committed to regenerative agriculture practices across all of its contracted farms by 2035, as it moves to build climate resilience and safeguard long-term supply security. The grower-exporter, which supplies Europe, the UK and other markets, is embedding farm-level sustainability actions in Peru and Guatemala, with water resilience the priority. Significant progress has already been made in Peru. Last year the count

From outstanding emerging talent to pioneering businesses and the retailers winning shoppers’ loyalty, the FPC Fresh Awards 2026 made a powerful case for being the industry’s most impactful celebration yet. Held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, on Friday 25 September, this year’s awards put the people and businesses shaping fresh produce, flowers and plants firmly in the spotlight. Their significance extended beyond the trophies: the winners offered practical examples

Knowledge, personal service and a commitment to their communities make independent greengrocers an essential part of Britain’s food landscape. Carrolls Greengrocers’ success at the FPC Fresh Awards 2026 has given that contribution a deserved national spotlight. A great greengrocer offers something special: a conversation about what is in season, advice on choosing fruit at its best, or a suggestion that turns an unfamiliar vegetable into tonight’s supper. These everyday excha