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
Peach and apricot trees join UK’s FruitWatch project
Warming climate means more stonefruit is being grown in the UK
- Article
Sainsbury’s sets more ambitious GHG targets
Supermarket ups its targets and asks suppliers to play their part
- Article
MPs urged to support farmers with ‘Buy British Bill’
Bill aims to guarantee 50 per cent of public food procurement comes from British suppliers
- Article
RPA opens claim window for stewardship schemes
Farmers can now submit claims under Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship schemes
- Article
Ports of Bilbao and Portsmouth agree MoU to boost trade
Deal aims to develop both green and digital shipping corridors
- Article
Defra accelerates public food procurement and labelling work
Two new reviews will look into improving public food access and fairer labelling
- Article
BAPL launches manifesto to secure British topfruit
10-point plan outlines actions to support growers ahead of general election
- Article
California Prunes renews ROS tieup in the UK
Collaboration will highlight benefits of prunes to good bone health
- Article
Social vitamins at heart of London charity’s work
The Food Chain is improving lives with a focus on nutrition and community support
- Article
Spring Budget a mixed bag for farmers, says NFU
Union argues there are several benefits but the budget overall does not go far enough
- Article
£1m soil health project focuses on the role of roots
The TRUTH project will examine crop roots’ role in healthy soil and food production
- News
Thanet Earth moves into lettuce production with Chichester acquisition
Thanet Earth Lettuce aims to boost UK self-sufficiency in leafy salads
- Article
Major packhouse solar array completed at Thanet Earth
BeBa Energy installation means a third of the packhouse’s energy is drawn from solar
- Article
Blockchain technology offers major boost to tomatoes
SecQuAL project finds multiple benefits for the tomato and wider fresh produce industry
- Article
Distribution deal brings HarvestEye into Finland
British company has growth plans for its crop insight tool in the Nordic region
- Article
Date revealed for 2024 Onion and Carrot Conference
Joint event in November will feature a conference and gala dinner
- Article
Calls grow for healthier school and hospital food
Soil Association and Professor Tim Spector lead calls for reduction in ultra-processed foods
- Article
NFU says horticulture needs Buyers Code of Practice
Farmers’ union believes the sector cannot overcome its challenges without a fairer marketplace
- Article
Could lightning revolutionise fertiliser production?
Start-up business Debye is trialling space technology on lettuce crops
- Article
Study promotes role of bugs in keeping apple orchards healthy
University of Reading-led research highlights positive role for wildflower strips in the nation’s orchards