Navigating the turbulence created by Brexit should bring opportunities as well as challenges, according to British Growers chief executive Jack Ward.
Ward, who wasspeaking after the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers conference in London last week, said a key issue needing addressing was access to labour, which could see production being taken overseas. That could see knock-on effects up and down the supply chain.
“On the positive side, we have a significant opportunity to increase our share of the UK markets,' he said. 'We are very dependent on the EU for supplies of fresh fruit and veg, and there is no reason why UK producers shouldn’t look to take a higher proportion of UK market share in the future.
“The UK lags behind in terms of consumption of fresh fruit and veg, with the average person still some way off the recommended intake. With the right tools and policies in place we should be looking to the future with a sense of optimism. Increasing market share, and putting a greater emphasis on ‘grown at home’ are just some of the benefits the industry should be looking for despite the turbulence and uncertainty created by Brexit.”
