NFU horticulture board chairman delivers keynote speech to World Fruit and Vegetable Show
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Tuesday, 07, Oct 2008 12:00
The chairman of the NFU’s board for horticulture will give his view on the future of the fruit and vegetable industry at this year’s World Fruit and Vegetable Show forum at London’s ExCel Centre.
Richard Hirst will explain that there are reasons to be optimistic for the UK fruit and vegetable industry, particularly with the recognition of the importance of fruit and vegetables in the nation’s diet, a fact recognised by continuing Government support for the school fruit and vegetable scheme. More recently the issue of food security has re-emphasised why food production is vital for the future.
But Mr Hirst will also sound a note of caution that the recent increases in input costs for growers has not been matched by increases in prices from customers. Unless this is rectified soon, growers will exit the industry leaving gaping holes in the UK’s ability to supply fruit and vegetables to consumers.
He will also mention that the EU’s pesticides proposals, if agreed, could lead to a further reduction in production, as the armoury of plant protection products is reduced. This is just one of a continuing barrage of regulatory burden that affects the ability of the industry to compete.
Richard Hirst said: “I am optimistic that the UK fruit and vegetable industry has a future and in particular, a key role to play in providing the solutions to some of society’s greatest challenges. But we must be freed of red tape and equipped with the tools to allow us to compete.”
Notes to editors:
1. The World Fruit and Vegetable Show takes place on October 8-9 at London’s ExCel centre.
2. NFU horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst will deliver his keynote address to the forum at 12pm on Thursday October 9 2008.
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