UK growers should be optimistic heading into the new year, according to Nick Tapp, head of agri-business at rural property consultancy Bidwells.

Speaking at an event for Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research last week, Tapp cited CAP support and a 'strong' supply chain as reasons for the fresh produce industry to remain positive despite a challenging season of weather.

He said: 'UK growers have CAP support - although this may decline it is unlikely to be lost - and have strong supply chains, access to credit and can benefit from a remarkable pool of technical expertise, that's a lot more than can be said for many other European countries.'

Tapp also acknowledged that profitability in the potato industry was volatile, with costs increasing by eight per cent over the last two years, and called for growers to invest wisely going into the new year.

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