The Chambers family has grown mixed fruit in Langley, Maidstone since 1648 and now grows around 30 varieties of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries – a strategy that has allowed the farm to meet niche consumer needs as well as providing a risk-averse strategy in cropping patterns. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby reports.

Wineries are more than just barns in which to make wine. Emma Rice, consultant winemaker with Vinescapes, looks at the many options, considerations and pitfalls to be aware of when setting up a winery.

New legislative framework enabling the use of precision breeding technologies such as gene editing was granted Royal Assent yesterday (23rd March) and is set to accelerate the development of higher-yielding, more nutritious and climate-resilient crops in England.

In response to ongoing increases in dry goods, packing and supply chain costs and extreme glass shortages experienced by the wine sector, an international panel of producers, suppliers and buyers discussed new ways of working together on a zoom session hosted by The Buyer and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched a £5,000 sustainability-focused bursary for wine industry students. The bursary will be awarded to a student at Plumpton College pursuing their final research project on a sustainability issue facing British vineyards.

Rooted firmly in the Essex countryside, owner Robert Blyth says Prettyfields Vineyard harnesses the local microclimate to “grow the finest grapes and put the very best into our bottles”. Editor Rachel Hicks chatted with him this month.

An eco-friendly weed-killing system which uses electricity instead of harmful chemicals to treat orchards and vineyards is set to go to market after support from Coventry University.

As the UK reels from recent fruit and vegetable shortages, scientists are advising how to increase homegrown produce – benefitting the economy and the environment.

A natural plant biostimulant is helping to minimise or eliminate crop damage caused by late frosts, by stimulating the production of natural plant Anti-Freeze Protein (AFP) in flowering fruit crops

Gwinllan Conwy in North Wales is the first vineyard to use sheep fleeces as mulch under vines, with owner Colin Bennett reporting a multitude of benefits so far, such as improved soil health, weed and pest suppression, and fuller-bodied wines.

As the nation continues to grapple with shortages of fresh fruit and vegetables, the NFU has today (1st March) launched its growth strategy for UK horticulture, which could be the solution to minimising future supply chain disruption if backed by government.

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused huge damage to some vineyards and wineries since it hit the North Island around two weeks ago – on the cusp of the busiest time of year for the wine making industry.