By the time you read this, the UK will have voted in a new government. Whether we have got more of the same or the opportunity to start again with another party, what does this industry want most from the people in the corridors of power?

It is a fair bet most readers would want a government that recognises the major threats to this industry. It is obvious that large numbers of fresh produce handlers are being continually squeezed to benefit a small and highly profitable band of customers.

There is also a lack of recognition that with every new regulatory demand comes a significant cost burden. And while that is not being recognised, government is unlikely to pick up on the fact that this burden is being shouldered by the players in the chain that can least afford it.

The work done by the Labour government to introduce the Schools Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and a national 5 A DAY initiative should not be forgotten. It remains potentially the single most significant “promotion” ever launched on behalf of this industry, and if we do have a new party in power, it is to be hoped that work is continued.

But, where the SFVS is concerned, its shortcomings, perhaps inevitably, have largely revolved around price demands, and the inability of many suppliers to be involved because they simply cannot work within the required cost structure. The tardy arrival of 5 A DAY and poor initial communication also hindered its early progress.

A greater effort by the new regime to understand fully the needs and varied intricacies of the fresh produce sector would improve the government’s chances of meeting healthy eating and anti-obesity targets.