Producer Organisations unite under new UK Fruit and Vegetable Association to call for replacement scheme to fund innovation and ensure parity across UK
Almost half of UK all fruit and veg is marketed through POs.
A steering group for growers fighting to preserve funding to Producer Organisations (POs) has formalised to become the UK Fruit and Vegetable Association (UKFVA).
Formed to coordinate a response to the upcoming end of funding to POs, the new body will now lead engagement with government on how the groups will be supported in the future.
In a statement, the body said it will be “a unified voice for the UK’s fruit and vegetable growers in POs in future policymaking, ensuring the industry’s needs are understood and addressed during this critical period of transition”.
At the top of their requests is a ringfenced fund to support PO collaboration and innovation, as well as parity across the devolved nations. POs have been funded under the Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme, which comes to an end in England and Wales at the end of 2025 following Brexit.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have decided to extend the scheme, and with it funds for POs within their respective regions, leading English and Welsh growers fearing a competitive disadvantage not only in Europe but across the UK.
As reported by FPJ, POs have struggled to gain both government and media interest in their concerns, despite the fact almost half of fruit and veg growers are within POs, rising to almost 100 per cent for some sectors.
“The PO scheme wasn’t just a subsidy, it was a smart, strategic investment in Britain’s food system,” said Patrick Bastow, UKFVA spokesperson and managing and commercial director of PO Berry Gardens. “The UKFVA will fight to ensure that fact is not forgotten, and that growers’ voices are heard at the highest levels of government.”
Visiting Lincolnshire pea PO Fen Peas recently, deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, said: “Ministers are leaving British growers exposed while claiming to care about food security. They have pulled the plug on our producers without a plan. That’s not levelling up, that’s letting down.”
Growers say the PO funding, which is match funded by government up to a value of 4.1 per cent of marketable turnover, allowed investment in supply chain efficiencies, reducing food waste, and environmental sustainability.
Biological pest control, fuel reduction and chemical reduction are just some of the investments made by growers using the funds.
With the government Spending Review now complete and funding decisions imminent by Defra for an alternative scheme, the UKFVA wants a replacement that recognises the proven impact of POs.
“This is not just about protecting what we had under the old scheme,” Bastow added. “It’s about building something better, a scheme that works for today’s growers, today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
“This is not about handouts, it is about common sense. POs are efficient, collaborative and have already contributed nearly £3 billion to domestic fruit and vegetable production.”
