Fruit

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

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) is warning vintners and fruit growers about the detrimental impact Asian hornets would have on agriculture if they became established in the UK.

A mirror orchard has been planted in west Wales to explore the benefits of using willow mulch to tackle fungal disease in pears. If successful, it could open up a new market for apple and pear growers, as well as areas where the fruits can be successfully grown. Sarah Kidby spoke to Joey Hughes, founder of Orchard Daughters, to find out more.