Alarm sounds for vegetable industry

Tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions were among several fruit and vegetable crops that the National Farmers’ Union said were “endangered” after a significant fall in self-sufficiency over the last 10 years.

A further four crops – brussels sprouts, lettuce, leeks and cauliflower – were “at risk” due to a steady shrinkage in production and consumption over the last decade, the union said.

The claims were made in the NFU’s Catalyst for Change report, in which it blames poor supply chain practices and a short-term approach to relationships between growers, intermediaries and retailers for stripping millions of pounds out of the fresh produce sector while damaging growers’ ability to produce fruit and vegetables.

It also comes against the backdrop of farmers battling weeks of heavy rain.

NFU deputy president and potato grower Meurig Raymond said: “This is not about growers versus retailers, but we have to bring an end to damaging activities or risk losing huge swathes of British horticultural production.

“Some retailers are making efforts to invest in the future of British farming, but our report shows that all too often this good work is being undone in pursuit of higher profits.

“Unless action is taken now we could see less home-grown fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves. This will mean more imported produce, less choice and ultimately higher food prices due to a lack of investment on farm.”

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman and brassica grower Sarah Dawson said: “British growers want to do business with retailers, yet the sector is being driven to its limits and is evidently not coping with the strain.

“Against a backdrop of higher costs, lower profits and a falling market share we desperately need to find better ways of doing business that will secure a thriving, productive and profitable British horticulture and potatoes sector that is fit for the future.”

The NFU is calling on retailers, intermediaries and processors to sign up to its Fruit & Veg Pledge to show their commitment to best business practice.