NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett reflects on the successes of the year gone by and looks ahead at what's to come for the sector in 2024.
2023 is a year that has been defined by a growing recognition of the value of the horticulture sector but with a long list of promises that have yet to be delivered.
The NFU Horticulture Growth Strategy, launched this spring, set an agenda for policy change, both within government and the supply chain, to halt the current decline in production and put us on a better footing for growth.
It landed very well, being a key source of evidence for the No.10 Farm to Fork Summit, the Independent Labor Review, and the House of Lords horticulture inquiry.
The strategy was also directly referenced when Farming Minister Spencer was challenged as to why Defra backtracked from its own promise to write a strategy.
Many messages landed towards government
This is certainly a year where many of our messages have landed, with commitments from the government on labor, supply chains, planning, energy, water, and more. The Independent Labor Review repeated many of our asks, especially on the Seasonal Workers Scheme, and the House of Lords review has amplified our call for greater government investment and political support for the sector.
Before the year is out, we expect the Defra supply chain review to begin and for Defra to publish its response to the Independent Labor Review, which should set out its plans for the seasonal worker scheme beyond 2024.
Moving to next year
In 2024, we may see a new UK government, and that will provide opportunities and risks in equal measure.
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