A major new study to get to the heart of West Midlands’ horticulture has been launched to boost business and explore fresh produce opportunities.
The project, Getting to the Heart of Horticulture - valuing horticulture in the West Midlands, will look at what growers are doing to produce some of the best fruit, vegetables and ornamentals in the country.
The NFU is working with the European Food & Farming Partnership (EFFP) and others to get a fuller picture of the region’s credentials as a horticulture hub in the UK.
The report will help growers enhance their businesses, look at how they are overcoming issues, promote the sector and influence decision makers.
Fruit grower Anthony Snell, regional NFU horticulture chairman, said the survey was bound to highlight many exceptional producers and would be of great benefit to those growing fruit, vegetables and ornamentals.
The Herefordshire strawberry, raspberry and blackcurrant producer said: “This study will be a hugely useful piece of research for growers, our customers, suppliers and all involved in our industry.
“I believe it will reveal the diversity of production in the region and statistically some amazing facts and figures.
“I’m sure these will emphasise the importance of horticulture to the local economy and influence politicians, county councils and many regulatory bodies.”
The British soft fruit industry is worth £185 million a year and West Midlands’ growers make a significant contribution to the economy as well as creating and supporting thousands of jobs.
EFFP consultants Liz Bowles and Neil Adams begun work on the project and said they hoped producers, the groups representing them and processors would all support the project.
Adams said: “An important outcome will be finding out what is holding the industry back, this could range from issues such as planning restraints, labour availability and market transparency.
“However, in this project the emphasis will focus on what works well such as how producers are working together to overcome problems. The main goal of the study is to help improve competitiveness and productivity.
“Every industry faces challenges but what marks out the successful players is their ability to meet the needs of the market place efficiently and effectively”.
Getting to the Heart of Horticulture is being funded through a grant from the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands and contributions will also come from Wychavon District Council and other sources.
A survey to further kick-start the project was launched at the NFU conference in Birmingham today.
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