Tesco has announced that it is sourcing an extra £15 million of UK produce following research into new ways of growing fruit and vegetables outside the traditional UK seasons.

A reported 19,000 tonnes of potatoes, 490t of strawberries and 150,000 kilos of cucumbers worth a combined £15 million will this year be sourced from UK farmers instead of overseas.

New growing methods have enabled UK farmers to increase their income by increasing the season at each end.

Steve Murrells, fresh produce category director at Tesco explained: 'Britain is well known for its poor weather and erratic climate, but by working with suppliers we have developed new ways to beat it.

'Extending the season not only benefits UK farmers by increasing their yield but it is also good news for customers and the local economy. Previously our suppliers relied on seasonal workers but now they are able to employ people al year round.' New glasshouses in Kent have produced UK strawberries three weeks early while technology from Finland and Norway has allowed for cucumbers to be grown in the UK 52 weeks a year. The UK potato season has also been extended by four months by work with farmers to research and select the best varieties.

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