As the Department of Health's National School Fruit Scheme continues to roll out to cover 16,000 schools and 2.2 million children, English apple growers are keen to supply more fruit between September and April.
This was the message of Robert Balicki, chairman of Worldwide Fruit (WWF), when public health minister Melanie Johnson accepted an invitation to see fruit being graded and packed.
Balicki, who described the scheme as "a catalyst for the whole industry" also believes apple and pear growers should work together to mutual advantage. Speaking at a reception which attracted representatives from Defra, the National Farmers Union, English Apples & Pears and the Fresh Produce Consortium, he said the response to the DoH should be "industry led,"
WWF has the tender to supply four distributors in the North West of England. Children from 4-6 are given an apple twice a week, so far including Discovery, Worcester, Early Windsor, Gala and Spartan. The group will tender for other regions as the scheme expands. Prices are related to market values and fruit ranging between 55m-65mm must meet defined quality standards.
It appears that there is also increasing probability that the tenders will include other fruit, following pressure from the NFU. Strawberries, kiwifruit, cherry tomatoes, and prepared cucumber, cauliflower florets, and carrots are under trial.
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