Firstly, the UK’s biggest retailer, Tesco, made a public commitment to uphold the principles of the NFU’s Fruit and Veg Pledge. Make no mistake – this is a big win for the NFU. Ultimately, we hope to see Tesco extend its sustainability farming groups across all fresh produce crops so that all growers supplying Tesco can feel the benefits. In 2018 our focus will be on the retailers that are yet to make a public commitment to better business practice for their fresh produce suppliers, and extending the good practice into plants and flowers.
In 2018, momentum on the NFU’s Fit For The Future initiative will continue, as will our drive to get consumption of fruit and veg up. Our ambition is to increase sales of fresh produce and start to reverse the decline in self-sufficiency. To do this, we need commitments from the supply chain, but also a cross-party Food Plan that brings together all relevant government departments. Securing the future of UK farming and improving public health are in the national interest, growers have an important role to play in this.
Last but not least, labour is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. In 2017, the NFU reported labour shortages of almost 30% at their peak. Growers reported increased wage bills, higher turnover rates, crop wastage and inefficiencies in their business as a result. The supply chain could face significant disruption in 2018 unless the UK Government takes action to prevent a shortfall of workers for agriculture. The simplest measure would be a tried-and-tested seasonal agricultural workers scheme open to non-EU workers to top-up the access we have now to EU nationals. This message has been delivered loud and clear to government, and the industry is speaking with one voice.