NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board member, David Long, reflects on the current state of the Horticulture sector and urges you to get involved with the latest industry consultations on key issues such as the AHDB, FPC Accommodation standard and the Red Tractor.
At present we are approximately 20% self-sufficient in fruit production and 50% self-sufficient in vegetable production, these numbers which have been dropping consistently have always seemed worrying to a simple North Kent Farmer who likes his food! Now it seems it is worrying the politicians as Britain plans its exit from the European Union.
To me our industry is in a great place to increase self sufficiency, Horticulture is well organised, well funded and very productivity driven. We do however need a few basic things to do our jobs and to create the industry we want. In no particular order these are good plant material, water, light, secure labour and profitable sales. This is not a complicated equation and so if the Government is serious about pushing Horticulture forward in Britain I urge it to address these very important areas without delay. No one wants to see our industry go backwards because Government didn’t get their act together. I will watch with interest!
On another note it seems to be the time of year for consultations and I would urge you all to reply to the AHDB, FPC Accommodation standard and the Red Tractor consultations which are currently live. There is no point in complaining afterwards that these standards are wrong, the time to comment is NOW.
Happy Christmas to you all.