Growers launch association to save UK fruit and veg sector

A new industry group, the UK Fruit and Vegetable Association (UKFVA), has been formed to represent UK growers and try to secure crucial funding for the horticultural sector.

It is calling for clear commitments from government to strengthen domestic food production and protect UK food security.

The group will urge government to engage with growers and provide a replacement for the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme for producer organisations which is due to close at the end of the year in England.

See also: Growers condemn end of Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme

The legacy EU scheme may also close in Wales, while devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to extend it.

UKFVA will lobby government for parity of support across all UK nations and aims to act as a unified voice for UK fruit and vegetable growers on future policy.

UKFVA spokesman Patrick Bastow said: “This is not just about protecting what we had under the old scheme.

“It’s about building something better, a scheme that works for today’s growers, today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

He added that the previous scheme wasn’t just a subsidy for growers, but was a smart, strategic investment in Britain’s food system.

“The UKFVA will fight to ensure that fact is not forgotten and that growers’ voices are heard at the highest levels of government.”