Things look bleak for the horticulture sector without urgent steps to safeguard its future, a new House of Lords report has warned. Horticulture, the UK's £5 billion industry focussing on fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants, is being described as being at a crossroads.
Policymakers report The sector as under-prioritized and unappreciated, leaving holes in the UK's food security and ability to meet net-zero goals. These are among the findings of the report published this week by the cross-party House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee.
The sector is also struggling to attract new talent and is perceived as unattractive and inaccessible, leading to a reliance on seasonal migrant labor, which has also declined since the pandemic and Brexit. The Committee also heard evidence of discrimination and exploitation of seasonal workers, including the non-payment of wages and over-crowded, substandard accommodation.
While the sector must do more to reduce its emissions, it can help mitigate the impacts of climate change through improving biodiversity, carbon capture, and urban greening.
Read more at thescottishfarmer.co.uk