The Fresh Produce Consortium has united with the Horticultural Trades Association and British Potato Trade Association, urging the government to help secure the future of the industries in the face of huge challenges
Leading UK trade bodies have called for government action to secure the future of the country’s horticulture and fresh produce sectors, as they face up to soaring costs.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) have formed a united front, urging top Cabinet Office, Treasury, and Defra ministers to engage on solutions to safeguard the UK’s horticulture and fresh produce industries.
In a statement, the industry bodies said that rising costs are threatening future viability, crippling businesses’ ability to invest in growth and secure affordable produce for consumers.
These costs are driven by ”sky-rocketing” national insurance and wage hikes, coupled with insufficient policy consideration, they outlined.
As a result, the FPC and HTA have sent a joint letter to the government calling for urgent action and a more collaborative approach to support the future of the UK’s horticulture and fresh produce sectors.
The letter sets out practical, ready-to-implement solutions that align with government priorities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost economic growth, they explained.
It also highlights the increasing pressure on businesses from the cumulative impact of recent policies and urges a strategic reset to protect investment, consumer access, and long-term industry resilience.
Failure to act now risks undermining the UK’s food security and jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of businesses, the letter stresses.
“At the FPC, we have practical, viable solutions that deliver clear benefits for the industry, the government, and British consumers,” said chief executive Nigel Jenney.
”We believe in utilising the untapped expertise and infrastructure of the industry to promote responsible, cost-effective trade.
”Our proposals are straightforward, achievable, and align perfectly with the government’s plan to ‘re-wire’ Whitehall and create a more streamlined state, while strengthening the nation’s economy,” he continued.
“It is crucial that the Treasury and Defra engage with us now to capitalise on these opportunities. Our solutions are not just beneficial—they are necessary!
“They offer a clear roadmap for growth, competitiveness, and sustainability,” Jenney explained.
”By acting decisively and collaboratively with industry partners, the government can strengthen the resilience and efficiency of our supply chains, ensuring continued access to affordable fresh produce for everyone.”
The FPC, HTA, and BPTA said they ”firmly believe” that swift engagement with the sector and action on border issues and related policies will create a sustainable and thriving environment for horticulture and fresh produce businesses, positively impacting economic growth, food affordability, and consumer wellbeing across the UK.
The industry bodies noted that they remain committed to ”immediate and collaborative engagement” with the government, ensuring the long-term success and stability of the UK’s vital horticulture and fresh produce industries.
Together, they pointed out, they wrote to the Defra Minister on 14 March concerning the Plant Health Fees consultation, calling for a pause, and now they ”need to see a response and action”.
“The solutions are ready. The industry is united,” Jenney added.
“We now invite the government to partner with us, demonstrating leadership and commitment to a prosperous, resilient horticultural and fresh produce sector for Britain.”
