Welsh horticulture is being “sidelined” and shunned by promoters, according to fruit growers.

David Darrell, secretary of the Tree Fruit Society of Wales, said he attempted to follow Welsh rural affairs minster Elin Jones’ recommendation to eat nothing but Welsh products for a week but was not surprised to find Welsh apples were hard to come by.

“To my knowledge there are only three commercial fruit farms in Wales of any size and even these are small,” said Darrell. Two are near Abergavenny and one near Newport, which is under threat by a new motorway bypass.

“I hear that £750,000 is being spent on a Welsh meat promotion. A fraction of that money would promote Welsh apples. I am really disappointed with the fact that Welsh horticulture is being sidelined.

“Money is being spent on organic produce promotion. This is only because there is added value in this produce but fundamental aspects of ordinary growing are being completely ignored.”

A Welsh Assembly government spokesperson said: “Wales has the opportunity to take advantage of the promotion of healthy eating and the growing call for local produce.

“There are measures in place to help achieve this. Changes to the Common Agricultural Policy mean that from May 2010, fruit and vegetable producers in Wales who have been allocated entitlements will be eligible to claim the Single Payment for the first time.

“Fruit and vegetable producers who want to take advantage of this must get their forms into the Caernarfon office urgently.

“Also, the Centre for Alternative Land Use (Calu) is able to provide technical support for growers of food and vegetables through events, discussion groups and advice on diversification."