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UK Apple Supply Under Threat As Orchard Renewal Slows, Warns BAPL
Rising input prices are pushing UK apple and pear production costs significantly higher this season, limiting new planting and raising concerns about domestic supply capacity, according to British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL). Since early March 2026 inflation has added £31.30 per tonne to the cost of producing Gala apples in the UK, according to a new BAPL-commissioned report from consultancy Andersons Midlands, which examines the impact of recent geopolitical tensions in Ir
British Berry Growers Face ‘Sharp, Significant’ Production Cost Jump
Soft fruit growers across the UK are facing a sudden wave of fresh cost pressure in the last few weeks as the price of core production inputs rises ahead of the 2026 season, leading British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston to call for supply chain recognition. New analysis from Andersons Farm Business Consultants, based on grower data, shows sharp increases since 1 March 2026 in fertiliser, crop protection, packaging, and transport costs. For soft fruit businesses, these
Farm Tour Highlights Food Industry Challenges To MPs
A cross-party group of MPs has visited a high-efficiency demonstration farm to gain practical insight into how sustainable, cost-effective food production operates across the UK supply chain, while discussing the current geopolitical challenges facing farmers and growers. Image: NFU The visit on Friday 24 April formed part of the National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, an initiative designed to give policymakers direct exposure to agricultural pro
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Fresh Produce Shortages Loom As Input Crisis Bites
Fruit and vegetable shortages are expected soon in UK supermarkets, along with higher food prices, as rising fertiliser, energy, and fuel costs begin to impact planting decisions and crop output. Industry experts warn that staples including potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, plus some fruits are among the most exposed foods. Looking ahead, reduced plantings and lower yields are also likely to tighten availability later this year and into early 2027. “There is a rea
New Trial Targets Faster Payback For UK Apple Growers
An on-farm trial is underway to assess whether biochar-based soil treatments can improve orchard establishment success, reduce financial exposure, and accelerate returns for UK apple businesses. Image: BAPL Funded by Defra’s ADOPT programme and led by topfruit grower organisation British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the project has now begun on two commercial production sites in Kent. Enhanced soil amendments are being examined to determine whether they can support stronge
Fruit & Veg Industry Support Sought For Breakfast Push
With only 6% of breakfasts containing fruit, Veg Power has launched a mission to increase fresh produce and bean consumption at breakfast time, calling on UK retailers and horticultural organisations to back the cause. Image: Veg Power On 21 May, the UK-based not-for-profit will roll out a ‘Breakfast in Colour’ social media and digital campaign in a ‘battle against the beige’ to make breakfasts healthier, more colourful, enjoyable, and achievable for families. To support its
Tesco Doubles School Fruit & Veg Scheme To Reach Over 1,000 Sites
Tesco is significantly scaling up its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, doubling its reach to more than 1,000 schools from September in a move aimed at tackling persistently low consumption of fresh produce among UK children. The expansion follows new research from the retailer showing that just one in ten children meet the recommended “five-a-day” target during a typical school day — a statistic that continues to underline the scale of the public health challenge. Orig
Surplus To Social Impact: Fischer Farms And City Harvest Turn Waste Into 3,000+ Meals
Fischer Farms has announced a new partnership with London food charity, City Harvest, to help tackle food waste and deliver fresh, nutritious produce to communities across the capital. The collaboration will see surplus crops from Fischer Farms' vertical farming trials redistributed through City Harvest's extensive network of charities, ensuring high-quality food reaches those who need it most rather than going to waste. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building
British Grower Hub Blooms At New Covent Garden Market, Connecting Florists Direct To Local Supply
A new initiative aimed at strengthening the link between British flower growers and the capital’s floristry trade is set to take root at New Covent Garden Market, with the launch of a dedicated grower hub designed to champion locally produced blooms. The hub will connect London florists directly with a coordinated network of small-scale English growers, creating a more streamlined route to market for British-grown flowers while improving access to fresh, seasonal supply. Posi
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