edited by: Shankhneel Sarkar
Last Update: February 25, 2023, 13:04 IST
A back British Farming sticker is seen on a basket of apples during the annual conference of the National Farmers Union in Birmingham, Britain (Image: Reuters)
There could be a shortage of fresh fruit in the UK as growing costs were not encouraging growers to increase production
Shortages of apples and pears could hit Britain as it already faces shortages of tomatoes, lettuce and other fresh produce. Guardian,
The report says British growers are planting only a third of the number of trees needed to maintain orchards. Growers told the news outlet that when they sell to supermarkets, their returns are not enough to sustain them.
The British Apple and Pear trade association, which represents most of the industry in the UK, said one million trees would need to be planted each year to maintain the UK’s 5,500 hectares (13,590 acres) of production.
He said farmers had planned to order just 480,000 apple and pear trees, but have reportedly reduced this to 330,000.
He also pointed out that supermarkets are unwilling to pay extra for the increased cost of heating. Ali Capper, head of the British Apple and Pear trade association, said rising harvesting, energy, transport and packaging costs have increased costs for fruit growers by 23% and returns are less than 1%.
“Most growers are losing money. It is a very serious situation. The future of apple and pear growing in the UK is seriously in doubt,” Capper said Guardian,
Since last week, some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Morrisons, have been limiting the sale of some fruit and vegetables. Tomato and lettuce crops have been damaged by freezing temperatures in Spain and flooding in Morocco, along with high electricity prices, which have contributed to a months-long shortage.
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Britain imports around 95% of its tomatoes and 90% of its lettuce from Spain and North Africa.
A section of the public also believes that the higher prices could also be due to Brexit as increased costs and bureaucracy have affected shipments. talking to fruit growers Guardian He said that he also plans to leave the industry.
Supermarkets Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Morrisons have banned the sale of tomato, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberry punnet. BBC Report.
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