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Get your free copy16 July 2012, 10:23 AM
- British tomatoes and salads have been placed on a list of foods that are now endangered
Spring onions, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, leeks and cauliflower are also at risk.
The National Farmers’ Union said a wet summer and less produce being grown in the UK has meant some fruit and vegetable crops have suffered.
The Catalyst for Change report 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.
