Campaign says horticulture matters

Get your five a day the British way - this is the message from the NFU in its new campaign: "Why Horticulture Matters", which aims to show why eating British fruit and vegetables is important not only for our health but for the nation's and the region's economy.

The campaign aims to support the East Midlands' horticulture sector: its growers are responsible for 28% of England's horticultural production on over 100,000 acres of land. Figures from Defra's June 2007 census show that East Midlands' growers produce:

 Over a third of the country's vegetables (36%)

 More than 40% of its peas and beans

 18% of the England's potatoes and

 41% of all the bulbs and flowers grown in England

Lincolnshire grower, Sarah Pettitt, NFU's national horticulture board vice chairman, said: "We are rightly proud of our horticultural industry; our growers supply us with a wonderful variety of fresh and seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers. This diverse sector underpins our nation's health, providing all of the essential ingredients for our five a day as well as contributing greatly to its wealth."

NFU's East Midlands regional director, Richard Hezlet continued: "NFU's produced a report: "Why Horticulture Matters" to highlight why horticulture is so important.

"For example, an estimated £1.2 billion is contributed to the British economy from horticulture alone; with 37,000 people currently work in the industry in this country, with an additional 4.8 million seasonal days for migrant workers. Add to this the further value added through the supply chain, wholesalers, packers, hauliers, processors and manufacturers and you get a very important industry."

Sarah Pettit added: "Growers are already providing solutions to many of the 21st century's key issues such as climate change and reducing food miles, and they form the backbone of the UK food chain. For all of these reasons this is why horticulture matters."

NFU has joined with the national 5 A Day campaign to promote the importance of fruit and vegetables to the nation's health, and why five portions of fruit and veg a day can help reduce the risks of cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Health Survey figures for England shows that British adults eating their five a day is on the increase. The NFU hopes by launching its campaign in time for the current summer harvest, consumers will join the 30 per cent of people already eating their five a day – but also shopping the British way.

Supporting the campaign a 5 A DAY spokesman said: "The Department of Health has teamed up with NFU to help support the "Why Horticulture Matters" campaign. This is a great opportunity for both organisations to collaborate and help support the 5 A DAY Just Eat More (fruit & veg) message and promote the benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables."