Investing in success.

The fresh produce sector has thrived due to significant private investment. Continued growth relies on building investor confidence and driving investment into next-generation growing models. The government hopes to unlock greater investment in these crucial rural businesses. 

The government will: 

Develop a new Horticulture Resilience and Growth Offer, doubling funding to £80 million for horticulture businesses, compared to the EU legacy Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme, starting in 2026. This will include up to £10 million for orchard growers to access equipment, technology, and infrastructure, and up to £50 million for packhouse automation. 

Work with the industry to finalise details by the end of 2024, ensuring all parts of the edible horticulture sector benefit from government funding for growth, innovation, and environmental outcomes. 

Celebrate and incentivise the Producer Organisation Model, supporting cooperative ventures while extending support to individual businesses to meet specific needs, as only 23% of the sector currently claims support from the legacy EU scheme. 

Put horticulture on an equal footing with other food producers by adapting the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and grants programme to better meet the sector's needs, simplifying access to a wider range of support. 

Empower businesses to shape their future with financial support for sustainable food production, automation, innovation, and market diversification. 

Increase horticulture growers' representation in productivity grant and support schemes, including the Farming Investment Fund (FIF), Farming Innovation Programmes (FIP), and SFI, by addressing entry barriers and ensuring sector-wide access. 

Enhance the representation and investment opportunities for Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) growers, highlighting the UK's CEH market at events like the Global Investment Summit.