25 years, 25 projects, 27 columns … and still running

In November 1996 – a little more than 25 years ago – I set my first steps in what became a lifelong passion: creativity in fresh produce. And what a journey it has been! To celebrate the many blessings that the world of fresh produce has given me, I have decided to commit as much […]

UK government grants relief on labour shortage, but is it enough?

British ministers extended some relief to agriculture and the fresh produce industry by allowing to temporary workers to remain in the UK through 2024, though it will begin putting limits on the “reliance on foreign labour.” Affected by Brexit and COVID-19, worker shortages led to food waste and delivery issues in 2019 and early on […]

Worldwide vertical farming market to increase rapidly

Emirates Airline aims high with vertical facility that provides farm fresh to cabin table

The global vertical farming market is projected to reach over £9.16 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 24.6% from 2019 to 2026, according to a report published by Allied market research. The demand for vertical farming is expected to increase rapidly during the forecast period, owing to rise in popularity of organic food. […]

Freshfel Europe urges MEPs to remember Russian embargo impact

In an open communication, Freshfel Europe urged the European Parliament to not forget the strong and ongoing impact of the now seven-year Russian embargo on the fresh fruits and vegetable sector. The letter addressed to the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the Agriculture and the International Trade Committees asked for the continued support of fruit […]

In Spain, the high cost of low prices hits agriculture hard

If you spend four and earn five, your company is viable, but if after a while you start spending six and keep earning five, the numbers no longer come out in your favor.  This is what is happening in thousands of agricultural holdings, the reason why the average age of farmers and ranchers is getting older […]

UK retailers resume avocado supplies from Kenya after boycott

Large Hass avocado to remain scarce amid strong green-skinned demand

Kenyan agricultural firm Kakuzi will soon resume exports of avocados to supermarkets in Europe which stopped buying its produce in October last year when the firm was accused of serious human rights abuse, Business Daily Africa reports. Supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl suspended Kakuzi supplies in the wake of reports of rape and violence at Kakuzi […]

French ag minister: Frosts ‘greatest agricultural catastrophe of 21st century’

The frosts that hit France last week have been described as having the most severe impact on the agricultural industry in recent memory. At least a third of French wine production worth almost €2 billion in sales will be lost this year after rare freezing temperatures devastated many vines and fruit crops across France. The […]