A report published this week called 'The Catalyst for Change' also blamed poor supply chains and relationships between growers and retailers for the slump in production.
Meurig Raymond, deputy president for the NFU, said, “This is not about growers versus retailers, but we have to bring an end to damaging activities or risk losing huge swathes of our horticultural production. Some retailers are making efforts to invest in the future of British farming, but our report shows that all too often this work is being undone in pursuit of higher profits.
“Unless action is taken now we could see less home-grown fruit and vegetables on shop shelves. This will mean more imported produce, less choice and ultimately higher food prices,” he added.
This report was published shortly after our own report which also raised issues on 'endangered crops' due to climate change. In our report "Adapting to Climate Change in the Food Industry" relationships between suppliers and retailers was also mentioned as both a driving force and barrier to change.
