Rapid Changes Ensure Continued Success for the Global Blueberry Industry
A series of significant changes across various regions will set the global blueberry industry up for continued success. Key trends shaping the future of the industry include increasingly advanced genetics and growers’ heightened focus on labour productivity and efficiencies, according to a recent study by RaboResearch. The 2023/24 blueberry season was unique, marking the first […]
Facing a ‘critical juncture’, raspberry growers hoping researchers can remedy UK production
The James Hutton Institute has launched a pioneering five-year initiative to address the economic challenges faced by UK raspberry producers. The Raspberry Economics in Production project has been awarded £1 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation’s Innovate UK program, aimed at enhancing the sustainability of raspberry cultivation in the UK. Growers are grappling with rising […]
WAPA: Apple production expected to see marked decline in EU while pears rise in 2024-25
Apple production in the EU is expected to decline in the 2024-25 season by a staggering 11.3%, or 10.3 million tonnes among top producing countries, according to new data released by the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA). That bleak news, punctuated by a 13.6 decrease in production from the previous three years especially from […]
IGD report highlights 10 of the biggest challenges facing the UK food system
Over the next decade, the UK food industry and supply chain will continue to face many of the same disruptions they have in recent years, requiring leaders to be both bold and nimble in their strategies and decision-making. In its latest report “A System Under Pressure: An Overview of Long-Term Risks to the UK Food […]
UK consumers could be forced to sacrifice British Grown quality if soft fruit industry doesn’t get help
Just when the industry was looking to recover from the pandemic, we’ve been plunged into an even greater state of crisis triggered by a number of factors. Increased production costs linked to soaring energy tariffs and the rate of inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022 (a figure that is even higher in agriculture, anything […]
British Berry Growers launch policy board in hopes of ‘securing future’ of industry
British Berry Growers, which represent nearly all of the commercial soft fruit growers in the UK, have formed a Campaign and Policy board to advocate for the industry’s pressing needs. “The value of UK berry production is an estimated £800 million at farm gate and accounts for approximately 33,000 jobs across the country,” Nick Marston, […]
Giles: 7 crucial topics facing fresh produce that were ever-present at Fruit Logistica
Now back from Berlin for a few days, it is time to start sifting through the numerous business cards collected over the three days and think about what needs to be followed up on, with who and when. From the Wednesday through to Friday, we held almost 30 meetings and met clients, friends and colleagues […]
Can Defra’s new schemes that aim to ‘save the planet’ really help farmers rebound?
UK farmers who have been battered by a range of challenges that include labour shortages and rising costs will be getting at least some relief from the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) plan, according to Defra. Defra announced on Thursday it will offer farms up to £1,000 extra in grants provided they can be both […]
