Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC)

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW BUYERS FOR YOUR FRESH PRODUCE? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION - AND IT'S A GREAT ONE! Find out more by emailing linda@freshproduce.org.uk

A MUST READ! From Brexit Hurdles to Workforce Shortages, Mike Parr, PML Seafrigo CEO UK & Ireland, talks exclusively to Freshtalk Daily editor, Sarah-Jayne Gratton, about the biggest challenges currently being faced by the logistics industry. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eaUAK5dp

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) demands urgent government intervention to tackle escalating border delays that are severely disrupting perishable imports. Partnering with the HTA, FPC warns that ongoing issues threaten supply chains, inflate costs, and risk the viability of UK businesses reliant on fresh produce. Immediate action is crucial. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gYa6t999 #freshproduce #bordercontrol #supplychains #perishableimports

You may remember Reverend Richard Coles as the unforgettable host of the Fresh Awards 2022, bringing his unique blend of humour and charm to the stage. Now, Reverend Coles is off on a new adventure, heading into the Jungle as an I'm A Celebrity... 2024 campmate!   With Reverend Coles taking on Bushtucker Trials, we're thrilled to announce that the Fresh Awards 2025 will be in equally iconic hands. Next year, the legendary cricket commentator Jonathan 'Aggers' Agnew will be stepping up as our compere. Get ready for a night filled with wit, charm, and plenty of unforgettable moments as we go ‘batting for excellence,’ celebrating the very best of our industry.   Entries and table bookings will be open from 1st January 2025 — it's time to start planning for an incredible night! https://lnkd.in/dv79rMKQ

The move towards peat-free #horticulture is driven by environmental concerns, as peat extraction contributes to carbon emissions and habitat degradation. However, the transition presents practical difficulties. While some progress has been made, a significant portion of the industry remains reliant on peat-based products for growing and propagation. Industry experts have raised concerns about the readiness of the sector to meet proposed #peatban deadlines. They argue that a phased approach is necessary to allow for the development and adoption of reliable peat-free alternatives that meet the needs of #growers and consumers alike. What are your thoughts? Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eeBMyz_E

What does George Freeman’s new role mean for UK #horticulture? 🌱 With George Freeman now chairing the Agri-Tech Parliamentary Group, how will this impact #innovation and policy for UK horticulture? Will we see greater support for tech adoption across the industry? Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/epjUJKr6

BUDGET BETRAYAL WILL 'STRANGLE' OUR FOOD AND FLOWER SECTORS The industry has reacted with outrage to the Chancellor's budget announcement that inheritance tax relief for farms will be capped at £1 million. Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) voiced his dismay and frustration saying: "How does the Government expect to feed and promote the wellbeing of the nation? On one hand, they claim to be working to strengthen the backbone of UK horticultural production. Yet, on the other, they've imposed a UK border strategy so inefficient and costly that it’s strangling our ability to import vital food and flowers. "How are we supposed to support struggling consumers and strengthen our own home-grown production under these condition? A workable solution is long overdue," Jenney said. #AutumnBudget #Farming #Horticulture #InheritanceTax

AS FEATURED IN THE GUARDIAN TODAY... Post-Brexit Border Checks Putting Food Security at Risk, Produce Sellers Warn. “UK production [of fruit and vegetables] depends on efficiently and effectively being able to import plants that are uncompromised at the UK border, and the UK glasshouse industry – and particularly the tomato industry – is extremely concerned about the border strategy and the risk of cross-contaminating products.” ~Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive, FPC Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/ehKCmXh6

FPC AND HTA ISSUE JOINT ASKS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION ON THE BORDER The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have issued a joint letter to the government, calling for urgent action following a roundtable meeting on plants, cut flowers, and border-related issues held on 4 October 2024. In the letter, FPC and HTA emphasise the vital role of horticulture and fresh produce, contributing significantly to the UK economy, food security, and environmental sustainability. The joint letter highlights substantial obstacles to the trade of both edibles, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and non-edible plants, including cut flowers, planting materials, finished plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, and seeds. Issues such as rising logistics costs, damaged goods, delays, increased waste, and complex paperwork severely impact sector growth and investment in the future. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eyFTpFvS

In the UK, a staggering amount of fresh produce is wasted on farms each year, despite still being perfectly good to eat. This comes at a time when food insecurity has doubled in just three years, now affecting over 13 million people. FareShare's network helps to alleviate this crisis, providing much-needed fresh produce to community organisations, including homelessness shelters, afterschool clubs, and lunch clubs for older people. Since its partnership with FareShare began in 2017, fresh produce giant G's has provided the equivalent of four million meals, supporting thousands of UK charities and helping feed millions of people in need. This milestone marks a significant contribution towards tackling food waste and food insecurity across the country. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e3BhCQan