Horticulture industry leaders gathered in Peterborough to highlight the priorities which will ensure UK horticulture remains competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.
Access to new technology, greater automation, faster approval for new bio pesticides and attracting new entrants to the industry were some of the issues put by growers to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)’s new CEO Jane King during the meeting to outline the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Jack Ward, CEO of the British Growers Association (BGA), which coordinated the summit on 29 April, said: “UK growers are operating in a very competitive environment. Changing consumer habits and the rise of discount retailers is putting increased pressure on the supply chain.
“Suppliers are expected to continue to deliver better value, more choice and improved quality against a background of deflated food prices. AHDB and its specialist horticultural arm, AHDB Horticulture, have a crucial role to play in helping growers to meet these challenges.”
The industry’s leading players identified a strong research and development base as crucial in the drive to find new ways to develop the industry with less resources. Additionally, the on-going loss of pesticides to counter pests and diseases was acknowledged as a major issue for the industry.
Mr Ward continued: “Each season growers are encountering different threats to crops from pests and diseases and it is vital that there is an effective process in place to ensure a pipeline of new products to safeguard production and quality.”
Attracting high calibre people to the industry was also highlighted as a key concern. Ward said: “The fresh produce industry offers exciting job opportunities but getting this message across to students when making choices about which career paths to choose and which qualifications to obtain, needs to be addressed by the industry as a whole.'
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