In the same week as the Tories lay into the UK's national government for using Lottery cash to part-fund the £77 million SFVS, we see the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia commit nearly £1 billion to its citrus sector.
That just about sums up the difference between the attitudes of the Spanish and the British to their fruit and vegetable industries. Valencia's regional government shows more commitment to one crop than our national government can muster for an entire industry. And if media speculation is true, the lauded government support for a scheme that promises to put the nation's health back on track one generation down the line has been largely funded from coffers it should not have drawn on.
Most will greet news like this with a shrug of the shoulders. Hasn't it ever been thus? It has, of course, but it is nevertheless remarkable in a period when homegrown fresh produce is at long last regaining its place in the national psyche that there is no sign of any meaningful support from the authorities.
It should be a matter of great pride to the UK grower that so much has been achieved without as much as token backing from this government. In fact, the industry is probably better off without interference from ministers who show a complete lack of understanding of the reality behind issues such as seasonality, air miles, pesticides and intra-industry relationships.
The fresh produce sector would still accept just a small share of the £3bn rebate Tony Blair is fighting to retain from the EU. Valencia's growers have a third of that to play with on their own.
No comments yet