The annual UK Food Security Index was published at the recent Farm to Fork Summit, this highlights the lower amount of fruit and vegetables produced in the UK relative to other products. At the summit, the Prime Minister identified fresh produce as a key growth sector and priority for government. In this blueprint, the Prime Minister set out government’s ambitions to increase domestic fruit and vegetable production and grow the fresh produce sector. The blueprint also showcases the initial steps government will take to deliver these aims, boosting UK food security.
The UK has a proud agricultural heritage, not least the edible horticulture sector, where we are fortunate to have the climate, landscape, and – most importantly – highly responsive and versatile growers, enabling the production of a wide range of high-quality and nutritious fruit and vegetables. The sector is a vital part of the UK economy, worth £4.3 billion in 2022, with UK growers producing more than 3 million tonnes annually from over 300 different varieties of fruits and vegetables. The broad nature of the sector sets it apart from other farming sectors, with various sub-sectors – orchards, field vegetables, soft fruits, glasshouses, and vertical farms – each having unique issues when it comes to growing, harvesting, and marketing of products.
Our fresh produce sector is a key growth area. As highlighted by the Food Security Index, if we want to build our food security, we must go further in fruit, in which we only produce 17% of what we consume, and fresh vegetables at only 55%. This is significantly behind other products. Through this blueprint, we want to boost the domestic production of fruit and vegetables, increasing horticultural output to become more self-sufficient and bolster our food security. We want the UK to be the best place in the world to start and grow a fresh produce business. The whole document is available on my website, or in hard copy from my office.
The Tipping Act was granted Royal Assent last May and the Statutory Instrument to enforce it is being laid today. This law amends the Employment Rights Act 1996 so that employers are now required to pass on all tips and service charges to workers without deductions, except in very limited scenarios, such as deduction of income tax. Employers must have regard to the Code when designing and implementing their tipping policies and practices. It is recommended that all parties attempt to resolve issues locally in the first instance. Acas can support on mediation; seeking mediation will not prevent a worker from submitting a claim to an employment tribunal (ET) if they feel their employer has not acted fairly or transparently. Where relevant, judges have a duty to take this Code into account in determining disputes relating to tipping practices.
I am running a survey on my website to find out your views and priorities for North Cornwall. If you would like to take part, please visit https://www.scottmann.org.uk/tell-me-your-views. Paper copies can be made available on request by telephoning 01208 74337.
