The NFU is calling for supermarkets to sign up to a new Fruit & Veg Pledge to prevent what it says is the imminent demise of several key British crops.
Launching its Catalyst For Change report at London Zoo yesterday, the union said British-grown tomatoes, cucumbers, salad onions, mushrooms and broad, runner and dwarf beans were all in danger of disappearing from supermarket shelves in the next few years if urgent action is not taken to redress a growing imbalance in the retail supply chain.
These “endangered” crops have all seen British production decrease by more than 20 per cent over the past decade, have significantly lower self-sufficiency, and suffer from a lack of capital investment and pressure from imports. Further decline will mean critically low levels of availability, the union contends.
A lack of trust and confidence in the supply chain and insufficient returns to spark reinvestment is at the heart of the trouble, the report said. It also laid bare some of the less savoury aspects taking place in the retail supply chain, including lack of price certainty, overriders, late payments and the existence of verbal agreements in place of written contracts. The length and depth of retail promotions - and who is paying for them - is another major issue causing growers concern.
The NFU compiled its information following conversations with over 100 growers and analysis of production statistics for the last 10 years. It revealed that over that time the UK’s self-sufficiency has fallen by 161 per cent in beans, 40 per cent in salad onions, 24.8 per cent in cucumbers, 15.3 per cent in mushrooms, 14 per cent in celery, 9.6 per cent in tomatoes, 8.4 per cent in leeks, 6.3 per cent in Brussels sprouts and 2.6 per cent in broccoli. The biggest gains in self-sufficiency were in strawberries (17.1 per cent) and plums (13.7 per cent).
“This is not about growers versus retailers, but we have to bring an end to damaging activities or risk losing huge swathes of British horticultural production,” said NFU deputy president and potato grower Meurig Raymond. “Some retailers are making efforts to invest in the future of British farming, but our report shows that all too often this good work is being undone in pursuit of higher profits.
“Unless action is taken now we could see less home-grown fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves. This will mean more imported produce, less choice and ultimately higher food prices due to a lack of investment on farm.”
The Fruit & Veg Pledge asks supermarkets to commit to greater price certainty for growers, a more collaborative approach, long-term supply contracts and established production programmes. The union will promote which retailers have signed up and monitor whether they are sticking to their commitment.
The NFU chose London Zoo to launch the report as the venue is known for protecting endangered species.
See next week’s FPJ for an in-depth report, comment and analysis on this story.
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