The British tomato industry united yesterday in Warwickshire, United Kingdom, to discuss challenges and developments in both the growing and marketing of tomatoes. On the table were many topics, including how the UK tomato industry offers strong growth potential, as only 20% of the £1 billion market is currently grown within the UK itself. However, it became clear seizing these opportunities is not easy.
Click here for the photo report.
© Arlette Sijmonsma | FreshPlaza.com
The Tomato Conference is an annual event bringing together the UK tomato greenhouse industry for a day filled with seminars and a trade show. Although growers were hesitant to participate several years ago due to the rugose outbreak and fears of contamination, this concern has since eased, and this year's event was bigger than ever. This was also thanks to an increasing number of retailers joining the day. Following bad weather in Spain, UK retailers faced empty shelves three years ago, and it seems that ever since, their support for local production—and their willingness to pay extra for it—has increased. However, the power in the value chain is still not with the growers. This is currently evident, as many growers are once again opting for varieties that are not resistant to the rugose virus, resulting in five current outbreaks—the highest number ever in the UK.
This is just one of the challenges growers face today. Other issues include government instability, unpredictable regulatory changes, and an aging grower population with too few young people entering the industry. All of these were discussed in the morning program, along with market developments and the position of British Tomato Fortnight. The afternoon program focused on growing and breeding, with talks on energy, ToBRFV, gene editing, and the future of greenhouse cultivation. Traditionally, the day concluded with dinner and, for many participants, some drinks at the bar.
More articles on this will follow next week (not about the bar, but about market developments). For now, it's time for the photos.
Click here for the photo report.
Voor meer informatie:
British Tomato Growers Association
www.britishtomatoes.co.uk