The National Farmers Union estimates more than 300,000 tonnes of UK produce has reached supermarket shelves this year after retailers relaxed specifications for fruit and vegetables following a difficult growing season.

The union and its grower members have welcomed efforts shown by the multiples to make use of weather-marked produce - including potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, swedes and apples - rather than rejecting them on the grounds of appearance.

So far this season, concessions made by the major retailers include Waitrose’s early move to accept shorter carrots and smaller strawberries; a decision by Morrisons to incorporate smaller sizes of broccoli, leeks, and Brussels sprouts into its value ranges; and a commitment from Sainsbury’s to use all fruit and vegetables that meet regulations and stand up on taste, also incorporating them into products such as ready-prepared salads, ready meals and fillings in bakery products.

Earlier this year, the NFU called on retailers to adopt a more realistic approach to sourcing out-of-specification fruit and vegetables in its Catalyst for Change report to prevent thousands of tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables being wasted every year and to reduce imports.

NFU chief horticulture and potatoes adviser Hayley Campbell-Gibbons said: “Nobody wants consumers to compromise on quality, but just because a carrot is bent, or the skin of an apple is marked, it’s perfectly useable, can offer great value and most important, reduces wastage in the food chain.

“Let’s hope that retailers carry on with this sensible approach to sourcing so that more of the food we produce in Britain can actually make it onto the shelf.”

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