Fruit

Researchers from the University of Leicester are looking for participants for a new research project looking at the fairness of the UK supply chain of fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Employers of temporary seasonal staff have been reminded that they may risk a fine if they do not comply with their legal pension duties.  

Owners of a ‘pick your own fruit’ farm located in Wales issued a plea to its customers, as they lose money when people eat strawberries before paying. 

The cloudy, rainy weather this summer may have been disappointing for many growers, but the silver lining is an exceptional crop of British raspberries, with high volumes forecast for August following a period of reduced production, said British Berry Growers. 

Sensors that can “listen” to electrical impulses in trees, low-cost growing systems, the latest technology and techniques for improving orchard productivity were some of the topics discussed at the Hutchinsons Helios trials site at Newent, Gloucestershire.  

UK growers say that an early start to the growing season has resulted in a good volume of slightly larger apples.  

Herefordshire-based rum and gin manufacturer, Penrhos Spirits, is asking local farmers to donate their ‘wonky’ raspberries, which can be used in gin production. 

The Blackcurrant Foundation, which represents 36 growers across the UK, has reported that despite another difficult growing season, the nation’s blackcurrant crop is thriving, with an anticipated yield of over 11,600 tonnes this year.   

The Summer Berry Company (TSBC) has recently announced that it is able to offer year-round strawberry production, lengthening the season by five months.

Nature-friendly farming groups and celebrities have sent an open letter to the prime minister calling him to back and scale up the UK horticulture sector. 

A Kent-based winemaker, Gusbourne, has announced it is considering a sale. 

Hertfordshire-based berry producer-marketer, BerryWorld, is celebrating after its growers scooped numerous awards at the National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show.