Fruit - Page 17 of 28 - Fruit & Vine

“A rising tide floats many boats”: Authenticity and collaboration are key for Somerset orchard

Creating ciders with 100% fruit juice rather than imported concentrates is a point of principle for Dowding’s Apple Juice & Cider, based in Somerset. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to farm owner Oliver Dowding, on the challenges facing smaller producers, the importance of working with other local businesses, and how the organic farm uses innovative approaches to tackle pest and disease problems.

NIAB publishes its 2024 annual review

NIAB has just published its 2024 annual review, following the success of the first publication last year. 

Four new forward-thinking degree courses unveiled

Plumpton College has announced a suite of sustainability-focused degree programmes alongside its validating partner, the University of Greenwich.

Having my own brand gave me a voice

Margins are getting tighter and growers are facing a cocktail of difficulties, not least the challenges posed by the supply chain and working with retailers. Sarah Kidby spoke to Yorkshire grower Annabel Makin-Jones about the rewards of launching her own luxury food brand – Annabel’s Deliciously British – four years ago.

‘Growing apples and pears in the UK is just not profitable right now’

The cost of producing a kilo of British apples continues to rise for UK growers. The new data reveals that UK farmers have seen a further 5.5% increase in costs of production in the last year. 

Well-known UK berry grower talks about importance of reliable seasonal workers 

A UK berry grower, Hall Hunter, has recently launched an extensive recruitment programme for workers before the season kicks off for good. 

Orchards and micro woods will be created in Walsall thanks to £63k boost 

Community orchards and micro woods are set to be planted in Walsall thanks to a governmental financial boost. 

FETF 2024: New horticulture items added to grants list

As applications open for the latest round of FETF, we take a look at a number of new eligible items for horticulture this year.

UK’s biggest ever blossom study launches to see how climate impacts fruit trees

Scientists launch the UK’s largest ever fruit tree monitoring project to understand how climate impacts fruit tree blossom.

British Apples & Pears launches manifesto ahead of general election

An organisation that represents top commercial fruit growers has published its first ever manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election. 

A fresh approach to soft fruit growing

Tenant farmer Sandy Booth is an innovator at heart, having launched a unique fruit snack to help tackle waste – as well as taking a novel approach to vine growing in the hopes of producing the UK’s first Merlot. Sarah Kidby caught up with Sandy to hear more about the farm’s history, key challenges and unique approaches.

£1m funding available to support regenerative fruit & vegetable farming

Innocent Drinks has announced £1 million funding to support regenerative agriculture as it advances plans to decarbonise its supply chain. 

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