While outlining the aims behind Why Horticulture Matters at the scheme's launch earlier this week, NFU horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst called upon the entire customer base to recognise not only the contribution of domestic producers to the nation’s health and economy but, equally importantly, the relevance of paying prices that ensure sustainability within the supply chain.
“This is not about taking over the whole supply of fruit and vegetables in this country,” he said. “It is about asking people to choose British when it is in season.
“We are able to produce more in this country given the incentive to do so. We need economic sustainability - unless we are able to sell for more than the cost of growing, there is no hope of us surviving.”
In a week that saw some of the larger supermarket chains embark on yet another price war, in a supply climate that simply cannot continue to bear the burden, Hirst told freshinfo that he fears for the future of many British producers.
“The main issue is growing costs,” he said, “particularly in the protected sector, where there is less option to go and do something else. Growers paying 60p a therm for gas now expect to be paying £1 a therm next year; this year the cost of production per acre is £28,000 and that could easily double next year. The difference can be as little as 10p on the price of cucumber, which is not a lot of money - but the market insists on paying less. I think growers will simply walk away, and part of this campaign has to be to get people to understand that.”
NFU president Peter Kendall admitted there is a controversial element to asking the trade to back British, if not the public, but said: “What we really want to do is celebrate the diversity of this sector.” He highlighted its value to the economy, and contribution to tackling climate change, other environmental issues and the health and well-being of the nation, among other factors.
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