Recent findings by the House of Lords Horticultural Select Committee reveal that only half of the vegetables and 17 per cent of fruit consumed in the UK are domestically grown, despite the country's capacity to produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including numerous apple varieties. DEFRA reports a decrease in the area dedicated to fruit and vegetable production over the past five years, highlighting the underutilization of British farmland for horticulture. The dominance of supermarkets, with their pricing strategies and aesthetic demands, places additional pressures on growers, contributing to the decline of the UK's horticultural sector and increasing reliance on imports.
The sector faces challenges from Brexit, the pandemic, and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, leading to a worker shortage. Additionally, climate change poses risks both to domestic production and to the sustainability of importing from countries facing water scarcity or climate threats. Despite these challenges, the UK's horticultural sector could play a significant role in achieving environmental goals through sustainable practices.
Proposals for bolstering the sector include focusing on local and regional supply chains, promoting organic and agroecological practices, and developing fairer, shorter supply chains through direct sales models such as Community Supported Agriculture. These measures could redirect funds into the local economy and support the growth of the horticultural sector, despite the current lack of government support. The increase in CSA initiatives across the UK underscores a movement towards more sustainable and locally focused horticulture, emphasizing the importance of supporting local growers.
Source: sussexbylines.co.uk