Growers condemn end of Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme
© Tim Scrivener Fruit and vegetable growers have spoken out in dismay after the government announced it would close the long-established Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme to producer organisations (POs) at the end of the year.
The scheme has provided £40m in matched funding for POs within the horticultural sector to support innovation and collaboration between producers and help market products.
There are concerns within the industry that, without this funding, the sector will face even more challenges, and the UK could become more reliant on imports.
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Defra farming minister Daniel Zeichner referred to the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme as an EU legacy scheme, and has confirmed plans to close it for POs in England on 31 December 2025.
He added: “The government has committed to championing British farming, while protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture.
“We will make further announcements in due course.”
It is understood the scheme may also close to Welsh POs.
However, similar schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been extended by devolved administrations in order to allow for a steadier transition into new schemes in the future.
The PO Steering Group has urgently called on government to engage in immediate discussions to find a viable alternative to the scheme, and has warned that without swift action there could be long-term, irreversible damage to the horticultural industry.
PO Steering Group chairman Patrick Bastow said: “This decision is devastating for our sector.
“Without this support, many medium- and smaller-size growers will struggle to stay afloat, putting jobs, businesses, and the UK’s food security at risk.
“This industry strategic matched funding scheme was excellent value for money for the government, and this move contradicts all that the industry was promised”.