A cross-party group of MPs have written to Defra warning that closing the UK Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme and PO funding without a replacement on 31 Dec will cause some growers to ‘shut up shop’
The upcoming budget is the “last chance” to support British before the outgoing UK Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme ends as planned at the end of this year, MPs have warned.
A cross-party group of around 35 MPs have written to the environment secretary in a last ditch attempt to call for a replacement to the scheme, which includes funding for Producer Organisations (POs).
Affected POs, which represent around half of British fresh produce growers, formalised into the UK Fruit and Veg Association (UKFVA) earlier this year to coordinate a response to the closure of the funding, which they say will remove incentive and support for vital sustainability and innovation investment.
“Growers need a clear, long-term commitment, and the upcoming budget is the government’s last chance to show it takes this seriously, with the scheme ending in a matter of weeks,” said Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, who has coordinated the open letter.
“This is about protecting Britain’s ability to feed itself and assist our excellent farmers and growers,” he said.
“If the government recognises the importance of food security, we must do everything we can to boost this industry. The Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme is well-established and it works – we need to support it.”
The PO funding scheme is worth £40 million, with businesses able to apply for funds up to 4.1 per cent of their turnover, which is then matched by the government.
Patrick Bastow, chair of UKFVA and commercial director of PO Berry Gardens, said: “The government’s decision to close the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme has left a gaping hole in support for our sector. Without urgent replacement funding, growers face an impossible choice between cutting production or shutting up shop.”
The government has previously reiterated its plan to end the scheme by 31 December as planned, telling FPJ that instead the government is “committed to simplifying competitive grant schemes”.
“This government is committed to supporting the horticultural industry, including Producer Organisations. However, the Fruit & Vegetable Aid Scheme does not work as it supports just 20 per cent of the horticulture sector,” a spokesperson told FPJ earlier this year.
