AS BRITAIN reels from recent fruit and vegetable shortages, research from Coventry scientists has looked into increasing homegrown produce while adding £500million to the economy each year.
Growing British, which is informed by research from the University of Warwick and Warwick crop centre, is backing a 30 per cent increase in the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables by 2032.
Analysis shows if half was home-grown, it would add an extra £500million in direct GDP contributions to the UK economy per year.
As diets shift to plant-based meals and climate-vulnerable countries are struggling to produce food, the research shows the UK’s need to move away from its ‘heavy reliance’ on other parts of the world for its fruit and vegetable supply.
In addition, the research showed there could be long-term economic benefits worth up to £126billion by producing a healthier, more sustainable British food system along with a chance to create more than 16,000 agricultural jobs.
Prof Richard Napier, deputy head of the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, said: “The current shortages of fresh food on supermarket shelves demonstrates the high dependence of our diets in the UK on imports.
“With appropriate support, the UK can and should grow much more of our fresh food – vegetables, salads, herbs and fruit.”
The university’s postgraduate researcher Alex Kelly added: “An increased consumption of fruit and vegetables is one of the central dietary recommendations of the national food strategy.
“As climate-vulnerable countries begin to struggle more with weather uncertainties and water scarcity, we need a long-term strategy that promotes and supports British-grown fruits and vegetables.”
Visit warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/wcc/industry/growingbritish/ to read the full study.
