Driscoll’s Barbara Ann is a late variety with a slight blackcurrant note to the flavour For Peter and Zoe Mee, making farm improvements is always done with their children in mind. To spread risk and grow a sustainable business for the future, they diversified into blueberries 10 years ago, after two decades farming arable land in the Nene Valley, Northamptonshire. Although it was a huge capital investment, the diversified crop reduces their reliance on arable income streams whilst making use of their existing irrigation licence – a very valuable asset that was previously unused. Mix of early a ..read more

Helen at a YANA event. Image credit: YANA Seeing first-hand how mental health problems can spiral, Helen Hooks decided she wanted to help others. After witnessing her husband struggle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Helen – who’s worked in the agricultural sector for 30 years – knew there would be others in need. Following in-depth training courses, Helen now volunteers for YANA, You Are Not Alone. YANA provides support for those involved in agriculture and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression. Helen Hooks (right) Image credit: YANA Speaking to Fruit&Vine He ..read more

Image credit: Unsplash Speaking at the Farm to Fork Summit 2024, the PM laid out a new horticulture resilience and growth scheme. It’ll aim to double the funding provided to horticulture businesses to £80m annually. £10m will be set aside to help English orchard growers, helping them to access equipment, technology and improve infrastructure. Fruit growers Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apples & Pears Ltd (BAPL) said: “British apple and pear growers will be absolutely delighted with this much-needed announcement from the Prime Minister.  “Our fruit growers will be especially h ..read more

Image credit: Unsplash The PM told British farmers and growers that we must go further to support them and secure the nation’s food supplies. Mr Sunak will also launch a review into the barriers the horticulture sector is facing to upscale their businesses. He said: “Come rain or shine, I will always back British farmers. “From feeding the nation to protecting our countryside, they’re vital to the security and the fabric of our country. This package of support will help farmers produce more British food. “[It will] deliver on our long-term plan to invest in our rural communities and ensures th ..read more

The UK is self-sufficient in strawberry production. Image Credit: Unspalsh Recent cold weather and minimal sunlight has meant there’s been a delay in the production of British strawberries. The first big harvests of the season have now been forecast for the end of May, however, fruit is predicted to be larger and juicier, British Berry Growers has said. Strawberry season Flowering and ripening of the fruit has occurred more gradually, which is set to create larger and juicer strawberries. Crops under poly-tunnels escaped damage from the poor weather conditions. Yet the slow growth built strong ..read more

From increased yields, higher dry matter and better storability, to improved size, taste, and colour, there are many benefits that good pollination brings to apple orchards, says Kent-based Hutchinsons agronomist Rob Saunders. Another is to improve the efficacy of chemical thinning agents. “Historically, when Cox was widely grown, much effort was needed to ensure orchards were pollinated effectively, but with modern varieties like Gala, Jazz, and Candy, that reliably set fruit, growers tend not to worry about pollination as much.” That is a mistake though, as the benefits from proper pollinat ..read more

Image Credit: NIAB NIAB Vine Club membership is hoping to bridge the gap between viticulture plant science and practical application. It’s said to ensure NIAB members are the first to benefit from emerging, innovative research. NIAB first established a research and demonstration vineyard at its East Malling site in Kent in 2015. NIAB is actively collaborating with the UK grape and wine industry to develop funding opportunities for new research. The NIAB Vine Club is aiming to provide an opportunity for vineyard businesses to access results and information, putting research into practice. Visit ..read more

James Bailey, Charlotte Di Cello, Andrew Hoad at Leckford, Prof Carol WagstaffeImage. Credit: Philip Panting Waitrose has unveiled plans to help over 2,000 of its supplier farms in the UK. Through the provision of practical and financial support, they hope to adopt regenerative farming practices. Since 2020, the supermarket chain has been trialling regenerative agriculture approaches on its Leckford Estate farm. Waitrose’s executive director James Bailey said: “We have a duty to help our farmers make the move towards more nature-friendly growing. “We’re committed to playing our part in the rev ..read more

Image Credit: Unspalsh The SIBA Independent Beer Report 2024 revealed data showing, on average, beer production among craft breweries is on the rise. Compared to 2023, this increase has grown by 14%. Returning cask beer has also seen a large rise, with volumes up 10% year-on-year. Findings in the report state that there is a ‘growing consumer pull for independent craft beer, with 55% of beer consumers saying they now drink local craft beer. ‘Up from 47% who said they drank it in 2023, placing it level with global lager.’ British hops The Hop Shed, a brewery in Worcester, are back to pre-Covid ..read more

Credit: British Apples & Pears Users on X were shocked to discover how much apples are used in juices and smoothies. The thread in question focused on 13 juices in a supermarket aisle. It points out how the majority are made with 50 per cent apple juice – if not more. This is despite not having apple in the name of the drink. ‘Applejuiceification’ and the illusion of choice Applejuiceification and the illusion of choice: a short thread pic.twitter.com/sC5bQSJkaQ — Stakeholder Consultant (@echetus) March 25, 2024 Included in the post was a Naked passion fruit, mango, and guava smoothie ..read more