Growth potential for British tomato production, but many challenges stand in the way

September in the United Kingdom means: British Tomato Conference. Today it takes place in Warwickshire, where the English tomato sector comes together. The value of the tomato sector in the UK is estimated at £1 billion. Only 20% of this comes from domestic production – so there is still plenty of room for growth, noted chairman Simon Conway in his opening speech. After several intensive years, with high energy prices, rising labour costs, and the challenges posed by rugose, expansion is once again underway, with Thanet Earth being one looked at intensively, as well as the planned 40-hectare glasshouse in Essex for Rivenhall, and projects in other crops, like Glinwell.

© Arlette Sijmonsma | FreshPlaza.comPolitical instability discussed by MP Robbie Moore and NFU's Gail Scoutar

Yet the situation for growers remains challenging. The desired political stability is lacking, and there is little attention or support for the agricultural and horticultural sector. Changes in ministers have made collaboration inconsistent. This is evident in labour regulations, which do not align with growers' needs – even though labour is an essential part of horticulture. The National Insurance increase has further raised labour costs for employers, and, according to Simon, inflation has pushed them up even more.

Additionally, the sector continues to struggle with high and volatile energy prices. The costs of cultivation are further increasing due to measures to combat rugose and the associated additional measures. There is therefore plenty to discuss in Warwickshire, but also plenty of opportunities to support the sector.

Perhaps partly for this reason, there are more exhibitors present than in previous years. The organisers also hope to stimulate dialogue between growers and retailers – both groups are attending in larger numbers than ever before.

Trade show ready - Martin van Zeijl, Bom, and Eduard Udyanskyy , Essex Growers

Find the whole program here

Voor meer informatie:
British Tomato Growers Association
www.britishtomatoes.co.uk