Call for new horticulture strategy to boost UK farming

London: Researchers at Green Alliance in the UK have claimed that an expanded horticultural industry is expected to create an additional 23,520 new jobs, which is likely to boost farm incomes by 3%. Currently, the government is exploring new ideas on how to increase the farmers’ income. UK health guidelines have revealed that citizens should consume 86% more fruit and vegetables. The UK’s horticulture industry is worth £5 billion annually, contributing 9% of the total agricultural economy.

It uses less than 1% of the UK’s farmland, making it an efficient way to boost the economy. In comparison, the beef and lamb industries take up 76 times more land but are worth just 1.9 times more than horticulture. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are consumed 16 and 50 percent, respectively.

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The research has made it clear that it is essential for the government to develop a new culture, like encouraging people to eat healthy fruits and vegetables; their high consumption will certainly boost growers’ income. Currently, they are facing challenges such as high energy prices, unfair supply chains, and the popularity of unhealthy food, which is gaining popularity. Lydia Collas, head of natural environment at Green Alliance, said, “We need to eat more fruit and vegetables to improve our health.

Despite plenty of apple production, the UK imports apples because the demand for local apples is decreasing. Experts believe that the government in the UK should make a concrete horticulture strategy, which will be helpful in boosting farmers’ income and in the promotion of sustainable farming as well.