The fact that government wants to be more accessible and to continue an open dialogue with the industry was also considered good news by the 200 delegates at last week's FPC/NFU convention Horticulture in Focus.

Jones envisages that although there will be no major changes for horticulture as the EU plans for a larger Europe, there is concern in the industry that the singe payment concept envisaged for non-horticultural farmers could give them an unfair advantage if they suddenly switch into the sector.

The case has already been taken up by the NFU's Michael Holmes with Commissioner Franz Fischler. Jones was unable to shed further light on progress, but promised: 'There are no firm conclusions and we are looking into it.' Defra recognised the contribution that horticulture makes to the economy and environment, Jones stressed, and also the fact that growers are under pressure to cut costs along the retail chain.

NFU president Ben Gill warned that, while English producers may have won temporary respite from rising imports due, he said, to a favourable euro exchange rate, they should not waste the benefit by becoming complacent.