British Apples and Pears (BAPL) has launched a new sustainability report to highlight the environmental credentials of UK apple growers.
Written by Professor Louise Manning of the Royal Agricultural University, the report reveals how the topfruit sector is addressing climate change in a bid to encourage UK consumers to buy British. Key findings include:
- 83% of British apple and pear growers work with local beekeepers, with 70% producing honey from their orchards
- 93% of growers use biodiversity measures, such as varied grasses and wildflowers to encourage insects, leaving windfall fruit for wildlife to eat, and creating beetle banks and bee hotels
- 90% use weather and crop monitoring technology
- 63% have solar panels to generate renewable energy
- Growers plan to plant more than 3 million new trees over the next five years
Professor Louise Manning commented, “Smarter growing systems deliver economic, social and environmental value as part of a holistic sustainability strategy. British apple and pear growers are rising to the challenge of sustainable fruit production by connecting with nature, optimising resource efficiency, energy conservation and generation, while using smarter growing systems – and at the same time, ensuring the most delicious apples to our supermarket shelves.”
Ali Capper, Executive Chair of BAPL added, “Our dedicated growers are at the forefront of the climate change battle and are committed to addressing many of the issues faced, whilst maintaining the highest quality produce. This report demonstrates how the British top fruit industry is transitioning to become more sustainable and how British farmers are working hard to be forward-thinking and dynamic in their approach.”