Michael Barker
Michael Barker is a contributing editor to the Fresh Produce Journal and other Fruitnet titles. He was editor of FPJ from 2010 to 2019, and continues to write and comment regularly on the food and agriculture sectors.
A journalist, editor and writer with broad experience across a wide range of media in the UK and abroad, Michael is also author of sci-fi comedy The Improbable Tale of How I Saved the Universe.
He previously worked as fresh foods editor on esteemed UK retail weekly The Grocer, having previously worked as editor of Commercial Grower and news editor of The Grower.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 20 7501 0316
- Fax:
- +44 20 7501 0306
- Email:
- michael@fpj.co.uk
- Article
Waitrose ‘BrandsNew’ programme looks to identify next big thing
Supermarket is offering a wide package of support to up-and-coming grocery brands
- Article
Plenty on Canada’s plate
Canadian trade body CPMA has a lot to think about this year, from protecting the industry’s interests on packaging to helping boost fresh produce consumption, according to president Ron Lemaire
- Article
Centre for Food Policy and Foresight launched in Nottingham
University initiative brings together experts from across departments
- Article
Eat Them to Defeat Them boosts kids’ and parents’ veg consumption
Results of 2024 campaign analysis show impressive reach of the healthy-eating initiative
- Article
Rose takes on executive role at Asda as Mohsin Issa steps back
Co-owner Issa is focusing on his role as CEO of EG Group
- Article
Meals & More appeals to Chancellor to support kids in food poverty
Charity writes to Rachel Reeves ahead of the Budget to make the case for a long-term commitment
- Article
Notts scientist wins €2m funding to analyse plant roots’ relationship to water
Dr Poonam Mehra will investigate a little-understood topic that is being impacted by climate change
- Article
Revelations over government health advisors ‘show need for action’
The Soil Association has expressed its concern following damning BMJ investigation
- Article
Tenderstem takes over World Food Photography Awards sponsorship
Broccoli brand replaces stablemate Pink Lady as headline awards sponsor
- Article
M&S visits Hadlow glasshouse site to help boost tomato supply
Centre of Excellence in glasshouse growing opened in June and has caught the attention of retailers
- Article
Return to school boosts grocery sales
Kantar figures show parents are buying more lunchbox foods as the end of summer nears
- Article
HSBC offers discounted loan fees to back farm sustainability
Sustainable Farming Pathway aims to make access to finance more affordable
- Article
TikTok craze boosts sales of retro swedes
Vegetable receives an unexpected boost after hack shows quick way to prepare a healthy meal
- Article
United front helps HCP to successful first year
Some 64 authorisations are achieved and numerous new crops are brought into the organisation
- Article
More education is needed on sustainable farming methods, study claims
University of Reading researchers argue ‘regenerative’ farming needs to be clearly defined and regulated
- Article
Fieldwork Robotics: Neuer Ernteroboter für Himbeeren
Fieldwork Robotics verspricht mit seinem neuen Roboter Fieldworker 1 die gleiche Geschwindigkeit und Qualität bei der Himbeerernte wie menschliche Pflücker.
- Article
New raspberry harvesting bot works ‘at same speed and quality’ as humans
Fieldworker 1, from Fieldwork Robotics, uses AI technology to improve berry ripeness detection
- Article
MAC study highlights key role of visa route and areas for improvement
Qualitative study hears what stakeholders think about crucial seasonal workers scheme
- Article
Agroforestry advice for Sainsbury’s farmers in new initiative
Supermarket has worked with the Woodland Trust over the last 20 years and is celebrating the milestone
- Article
Waitrose unveils major c-store opening programme
Supermarket chain is promising a new retail blueprint for the modern consumer