Full marks to the Fruit and Vegetable Task Force for producing what most in the industry would agree is an accurate assessment of the state of British horticulture and its marketing and distribution infrastructures.
Even if it is not always comfortable reading, its value is that it highlights the weaknesses as well as the strengths of an industry whose wellbeing is vital to the nation’s health.
While originally commissioned by Hilary Benn when Labour was in power, the initial report rises above politics, and hopefully through its recommendations involving every sector of production, trade, retailing and government, will influence the policies of the new coalition.
The devil is in the detail at a time when everyone is living in a cash-strapped economy. However, much might be achieved outside the obvious need for extra funding.
The most apparent is the agreed need for better communication between buyers, suppliers and sellers. Ironically, many would say this art seemed to have been better practised a generation or so ago when the industry enjoyed far more personal relationships.
These created a better mutual understanding of problems inevitably caused when handling products which have always been at the beck and call of nature.
In the new report the concept envisaged of offering horticulture as part of a package to reduce unemployment may sound Utopian - particularly when there is a general antipathy throughout Europe towards working on the land.
Also, I wonder if it is a case of wishful thinking to imagine that much will be gained by assessing monthly demand for every type of produce and what proportion is imported. Before the formation of the Fresh Produce Consortium, the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades indulged in such an exercise for the same reasons, to little effect.
One aspect that will please the wholesale trade - and hopefully even help its rejuvenation - is that the sector has been recognised as being still seen to play a valued role at a time when serving multiples dominates thinking. These proposals alone, to be put on the table in the months ahead, may even help create better balance.
In my view the key to success will be if UK horticulture, despite its relative fragmentation, can maintain its record of improved, better tasting varieties, technical know-how and modern marketing against international competition.
Fortunately there are proven examples of what is possible in berries and top fruit, salads and many vegetable crops. To achieve this there must be a solid foundation of R&D which delivers fast, practical results. Here, at least, government can make a difference which could create alternative incentives to hard cash.
David Shapley is a horticultural journalist and former editor of FPJ. To feature in this column email editorial@fpj.co.uk
No comments yet