Hort News

Game-changing biostimulant for UK tomato grower Through a new study funded by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Innovate UK under the Farming Innovation Programme, SugaROx Ltd and Fera Science Limited will explore the feasibility of using a game-changing biostimulant technology to improve tomato resilience to climate change, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint of production in the UK... Read the full article via #HortNews >>https://lnkd.in/d2NAGzmQ #biostimulants #innovation #climatechange

John Walgate to take over as new CEO at British Growers John Walgate has been appointed as the new CEO at British Growers and will take up his appointment at the beginning of September 2024. John will take over the role of CEO from Jack Ward who will remain as a main Board director and continue his industry representation role on a part time basis working with John over the coming months... Read the full article via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/dzfqDcGe #newappointment #britishgrowers #ukfarming #ukagriculture

Hutton’s potato expert to lead the European Association for Potato Research Over the next three years, Professor Toth will lead the Association, comprised of over 200 individual members and other sustaining members, with a network that spans Europe and beyond. His leadership will enhance the EAPR’s commitment to promoting the exchange of scientific and technical information related to all aspects of potato breeding, production, protection, storage and utilisation on a global scale.Professor Toth will also lead the EAPR Triennial Conference in Scotland set to take place in 2027. The conference will highlight both Scotland’s excellent potato production and the country’s many other achievements... Read more via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/dzfqDcGe #EAPR #potatoes #EAPR24

Researchers looking for participants for a study into fairness in the supply chain Academics at the University of Leicester are looking for participants for a new research project looking at the fairness of the supply chain of fresh fruit and vegetables in UK farming. Recent incidents within the UK food supply chain indicate instances of unfair practices and highlight the need for a thorough review of fairness in this context. The Government is looking at how to promote fairness in the UK food industry between supply chain partners such as large grocery retailers ... Read the full article via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/eJ5TFbpJ #research #supplychain #ukfarming

New rural crime figures released The NFU has called for action to tackle rural crime following the publication of NFU Mutual’s latest Rural Crime Report, which shows that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £52.8m, an increase of 4.3% from last year. GPS unit thefts alone rose by a staggering 137% – increases can also be seen in quad bike, ATV and livestock thefts, while the cost of agricultural vehicle theft decreased by 9%. In response, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “As NFU Mutual’s report highlights, rural crime has continued to plague the British countryside over the past year... Read the full article via #HortNews >>https://lnkd.in/dzfqDcGe #nfu #ukagriculture #ruralcrime

Tomato seed import delays having serious economic impacts The British tomato industry is experiencing ongoing delays with seed imports at the border due to lengthy testing and release protocols. These delays are having serious economic impacts on businesses, resulting in a delay in sowing and subsequent delivery of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants to growers. Changes to import regulations following Brexit and the need for additional processes are resulting in significant delays with growers experiencing delivery delays of up to 6 weeks, primarily caused by the turnround times for pathogen testing, which makes crop programming and planning extremely difficult... Read the full article via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/d2NAGzmQ

Hartpury University and College launches online portal to boost digital skills in farming Hartpury Agriculture is thrilled to announce the official launch of its brand-new online portal. This digital resource and offering marks a significant step in the ongoing commitment of Hartpury University and Hartpury College to supporting businesses and professionals in the agricultural sector in an increasingly digital world. A key feature of the portal is Hartpury’s Digital Skills Hub, funded by the local skills improvement fund (LSIF) to support agri-business, careers and learning. This innovative platform serves as a ‘one stop shop’ for support and resources ... Read the full article on #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/dzfqDcGe #innovation #digital #agritech #agribusiness #digitalskillstraining #digitalinnovation #agriculture

Berry industry being squeezed: Rising costs and retail pressures putting growers at risk According to new research conducted by British Berry Growers (BBG), the industry body representing over 95 percent of British berries sold in the UK, the UK berry industry is in jeopardy. Almost half (47 percent) of British berry growers surveyed say they no longer make a profit, and over half (53 percent) assess their financial health as bad, or extremely bad. The BBG research also finds 84 percent of all respondents estimate that they would survive just two years or less without making a profit. Given close to half of growers (47 percent) are not making a profit, if nothing changes, then four in 10 could go out of business by the end of 2026... Read the full article on #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/eJ5TFbpJ #britishberries #berries #retailers #fairreturns

Farm Safety Week: National Grid issue safety plea of ‘look out, look up’ to farmers This Farm Safety Week (22 – 26 July), farmers across the country are being urged to ‘look out, look up’, and stay safe around electrical equipment to avoid the risk of accidents. Every year, National Grid Electricity Distribution – the electricity operator for the Midlands, South West and South Wales – is called to incidents in which farm vehicles have collided with overhead power lines. It is estimated that at least one agricultural accident involving overhead lines is reported every day in the UK... Read the full article via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/dzfqDcGe #farmsafetyweek #farmsafety

Dutch company GEGE Machinebouw achieves ground-breaking tray field system in the USA Dutch company GEGE Machinebouw is making waves in American strawberry farming with their innovative tray field project in an initiative in collaboration with Haygrove and Nourse Farms, which marks a significant milestone in strawberry farming in America. GEGE Machinebouw, known for their advanced machinery solutions, has developed an elevated tray field system, a system that reduces labour costs, increases production capacity ... Read the full article via #HortNews >> https://lnkd.in/eJ5TFbpJ #innovation #collaboration #machinesolutions