Fruit

British blueberry season has officially begun, with producers predicting a larger, sweeter crop than ever in 2023.

Additional items have been added to the scheme for 2023, including mulchers for orchards and vineyards to help reduce input costs and improve carbon retention in the soil.

New guidance released by Defra states that farm buyers are now eligible to claim delinked payments on recently purchased land, provided they made a valid BPS claim this year.

Bayer will use its presence at Fruit Focus 2023 to showcase the strength of its portfolio in protecting soft and top fruit crops from the effects of pests and disease, while giving a preview of the products and services being developed for future seasons.

British Berry Growers, which represents 95% of all the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, is set to form a new research & development board to drive sustainability and efficiency.

With apple skin colour being a highly appealing quality to consumers, growers will generally seek to improve fruit colouration. Yara offers guidance on how crop nutrition can help to achieve the desired appearance.

A new NFU survey suggests the horticulture sector has been hit particularly hard by falling farmer confidence levels – which are at their lowest level since the start of the pandemic.

A Norfolk farm is playing host to a project to increase biodiversity and reduce greenhouse emissions through regenerative farming practices.

An independent analysis, conducted by farm business consultants Andersons, showed the median cost of producing a kilo of British apples is now £1.26, exposing the true cost of production crisis facing UK apple growers.

NIAB has published its first annual review summarising all the fruit related research and demonstration projects the crop research organisation is currently engaged in.

In a new Business Sustainability Challenge, Growing Kent & Medway (GKM) is making £900,000 available for innovative horticultural, plant-based food and drink businesses with ideas to enhance sustainability in the sector.

Latest statistics from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) show that 21 pubs a week are closing for business in the UK and face an uncertain future, with customers tightening their belts and energy bills set to hit new highs from 1st April.