Sustain • Bridging the Gap • Six approaches to Bridge the Gap

Recognising the value of horticulture

Just 4% of croppable land in the UK is dedicated to horticulture and a fraction of that is organic. The horticulture sector gets very little public money and little recognition in the new Sustainable Farming Incentive as parts of ELMS.

A horticulture strategy would bring gains for public health, for the environment and nature with more diverse and sustainably grown produce, for good jobs and enterprise in new businesses. Despite the need, the horticulture strategy was suddenly dropped by the government in May 2023.

Alongside support for existing horticulture farmers, we need support for new entrants and farmers making the transition, as well as more opportunities for training and skills development.

And what about culturally appropriate food? The cost of importing fruit and vegetables that aren’t typically grown, but are central to many people’s cuisine culture, in the UK has risen dramatically. This is an example of the cost of living crisis combined with climate crisis negatively affecting diverse communities.

We are developing pilots that work directly with farmers in Wales (Carmarthenshire and Monmouthshire), Scotland (Aberdeenshire), Northern Ireland (Newtownards) and England (Cambridge).