Mat Prestwich British Herbs

Mathew Prestwich

Issues raised by Brexit may not be the biggest challenges for the British herb industry going forwards.

That's the view of British Herb chairman Mathew Prestwich, of R&G (Fresh Herbs), who has been confirmed in his second stint in the post.

Prestwich wrote to members to say: “I have mentioned to council on many occasions that Brexit and the availability of labour will be an issue, but I firmly believe that the uncertain economic climate, the minimum wage rises and the competitive nature of the retail sector will be our biggest challenges. Even if you can get labour, will you be able to afford to pay them?”

British Herbs is managed by the British Growers Association, and covers all aspects of herb production and processing including fresh cut, fresh pot, garden pot, essential oil production, processing, seed production and importing.