Dangerous precedents have been cropping up with some regularity this year.

Local councils in Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Shropshire have intervened in matters pertaining to fruits and vegetables, all with potentially serious national implications. Now Waverley Borough Council has seen fit to begin an enforcement action against a local berry producer.

Without commenting on the specifics of each case, the soft-fruit industry in particular must be concerned that it has been twice singled out. If objections to the construction of polytunnels in the UK countryside are to be upheld by local councils, the expansion potential of the sector will be jeopardised.

Undoubtedly, the same people raising the issue would be dismayed at the vast number “food miles” and consequent environmental impact of importing berries should the capacity to protect the crop be taken away from UK producers.

Extraordinary strides have been made towards import substitution in the berry sector, but growers would be severely restricted if temporary pickers were left without accommodation and temporary polytunnels are made subject to mandatory planning permission.

The latter will probably not happen, but the mere fact that the issue has arisen illustrates the blatant hypocrisy and lack of understanding of people in the UK who have nothing better to do than look for causes to celebrate.

The soft-fruit sector is defending its corner. Hopefully the swelling tide can be stopped in its tracks.

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