Fruit

Russell IPM experts Rachel Turner, Dr Clare Sampson, Dr Abuimroz Ali, Dr Dhurgham Al-Karawi, and Dr Rihem Moujahed give advice on how to spot and manage the risks of SWD.

To recognise the pivotal role of bees in the fruit growing and farming sectors, today the world is celebrating Bee Day 2024.

The public and UK beekeepers have been warned to keep watch and report any sightings of Asian hornets this summer.

Critics say government funding for growers doesn’t go far enough to support those hit by extreme weather and rising costs.

MPs are calling on the government to invest in new schemes to support farmers in delivering natural flood defences, restoring woodland, and creating new natural flooding preventions.

In a bid to build a sustainable business for their children, arable farmers Peter and Zoe Mee diversified into growing blueberries in 2014 – and have since installed their own packhouse and introduced a range of blueberry products made from waste fruit. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to the family to find out more.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Helen Hook, who volunteers as a mental health first aider, is encouraging those who are struggling to talk and and stay active.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement to boost the fruit and veg sector, fruit growers have been ‘delighted’ with the £10m boost.

‘The UK needs to reduce its reliance on overseas fruit and vegetables and back British producers’ Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says as he sets out his blueprint for the Farm to Fork Summit 2024.

Strawberry producers say despite the delays, the fruit will be bigger and juicer this year.

Good pollination has multiple benefits for orchards, but is it being overlooked given the widespread popularity of self-fertile varieties and pressure on margins? Fruit & Vine asks the experts for their advice.

Mental health for rural communities still needs greater support from the government, said Sarah Dyke MP as we enter Mental Health Awareness Week.