There are a range of problems facing the various sectors of fresh produce at the moment.

The fruit sector is facing up to the discovery of a potentially damaging pest that has already wreaked havoc in the US (page 4), vegetable producers in Spain – and the UK for that matter – are counting the cost of the past week’s unseasonal deluge (page 8), while potato growers are calling for better returns at a time when supermarket supplies cannot be guaranteed (page 6).

It all makes for a highly challenging start to the autumn, and the euphoria of the ‘summer of sport’ is very much starting to wear off.

It’s been said many times before, but supply chain collaboration has become more essential than ever if everyone is going to make it through the winter. Unpredictable weather is here to stay and only through intelligent retail promotions planning and well-matched supply and demand will growers have the money to reinvest and supermarkets guarantee that their shelves are stocked.

If not, that temptation to switch into arable or energy crops may become irresistable for many British growers in the coming months.