Confidence in the horticulture sector in the East Midlands is riding high despite financial concerns within grower businesses, a new study unveiled last week.

Grow EM - the Horticulture Industry in the East Midlands was commissioned by the NFU and funded by the East Midlands Development Agency. It found that 70 per cent of growers surveyed in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire were positive about their future. “We believe this illustrates a proactive and forward-thinking horticultural industry in the region,” said project steering group member David Piccaver.

The report examined the issues facing not just growers, but also packers and processors in the region. The main worries are the loss of crop-protection products, profitability, investment, the loss of R&D capacity, sea and flood defences and pressure on grower margins.

“Using the report’s findings, we’ll be working on strategies for the development of the industry, including looking at investment, transport infrastructure and employment trends to ensure a sustainable and profitable future for the sector in the East Midlands,” said Piccaver.