As the government embarks on its ambitious 10-Year Health Plan for England, the nation’s fruit and vegetable growers are calling on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to put homegrown produce at the heart of the country’s health transformation.

In a letter to the Secretary of State, grower representatives warn that vital funding for British fruit and vegetable production is due to expire this year, with no replacement in place. While growers in the EU, Scotland, and Wales will continue receiving this crucial support, those in England risk being left behind. Meanwhile, one in ten children don’t know where carrots come from1, highlighting a growing disconnect between young people and their food.

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “To truly ‘make the healthy choice the easy choice’, as the government has pledged and is also a core part of the government’s food strategy, the UK must ensure a reliable, affordable, and healthy supply of fresh produce. That means backing domestic growers."

“British growers produce to world-leading standards, and growing food domestically is key to helping the next generation understand where their food comes from. Yet right now, just 17% of the fruit and 53% of the vegetables we eat are grown in the UK. That’s a huge, missed opportunity."

Growers say the government's health ambitions can't be met without a strong horticulture sector. Yet the sector has faced continued economic shocks, planning barriers, supply chain uncertainty and extreme weather events. To truly boost confidence and meet the government’s ambition that requires long-term investment in homegrown produce.

Mr. Emmett continued: “Our horticulture growth strategy4 lays out the foundations for success. We’re ready to grow more, produce more, and help turn the tide on diet-related illness. But we need government backing to do it."

“We urge the Health Secretary to work closely with Defra and industry leaders to unlock the potential of British horticulture and help deliver on the government’s vision for a healthier England.”