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20/12/2005
Polytunnels decision a serious threat to British Soft Fruit industry, says NFU
The National Farmers’ Union has described the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling on the Hunter Hall Partnership’s use of polytunnels as a serious threat to the future competitiveness of the British soft fruit industry.
Under appeal the Planning Inspectorate this week ordered the removal of polytunnels and temporary worker accommodation from Tuesley Farm in Surrey. The NFU believes this may set a concerning precedent for the industry and could put at threat the responsible use of polytunnels as an important tool in the fight to reduce food miles and tackle global pollution.
Polytunnels are essential in allowing British growers to deliver high quality local fruits like strawberries, raspberries and cherries to consumers for more months in the year, meeting public demand which would normally be met by growers from the United States and the Continent.
Polytunnels also allow British growers to:
· Reduce pesticide use
· Increase employment and strengthen rural economies
· Produce and develop organically grown varieties
· Deliver safe, high quality produce from May until mid-Autumn
NFU horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst said: “The responsible use of these temporary structures has been vitally important to the development of the British soft fruit industry. Polytunnels have not only helped us extend the growing season but have delivered a number of significant environmental benefits, slashing food miles and dramatically reducing the need for pesticides. We are now able to deliver a safe, delicious and high quality product for longer helping us to support and strengthen rural economies.
“We understand that polytunnel use is a contentious issue and that is why we have co-authored a polytunnel code of practice for growers. However, I believe British soft fruit growers take a responsible attitude to the use of these structures and are sensitive to the concerns of residents that live near their operations. It is vitally important that a balance is struck between the continuing prosperity of these businesses and the concerns of some members of the public.”
Under appeal the Planning Inspectorate this week ordered the removal of polytunnels and temporary worker accommodation from Tuesley Farm in Surrey. The NFU believes this may set a concerning precedent for the industry and could put at threat the responsible use of polytunnels as an important tool in the fight to reduce food miles and tackle global pollution.
Polytunnels are essential in allowing British growers to deliver high quality local fruits like strawberries, raspberries and cherries to consumers for more months in the year, meeting public demand which would normally be met by growers from the United States and the Continent.
Polytunnels also allow British growers to:
· Reduce pesticide use
· Increase employment and strengthen rural economies
· Produce and develop organically grown varieties
· Deliver safe, high quality produce from May until mid-Autumn
NFU horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst said: “The responsible use of these temporary structures has been vitally important to the development of the British soft fruit industry. Polytunnels have not only helped us extend the growing season but have delivered a number of significant environmental benefits, slashing food miles and dramatically reducing the need for pesticides. We are now able to deliver a safe, delicious and high quality product for longer helping us to support and strengthen rural economies.
“We understand that polytunnel use is a contentious issue and that is why we have co-authored a polytunnel code of practice for growers. However, I believe British soft fruit growers take a responsible attitude to the use of these structures and are sensitive to the concerns of residents that live near their operations. It is vitally important that a balance is struck between the continuing prosperity of these businesses and the concerns of some members of the public.”
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