Growers Condemn End of Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme
The UK government’s decision to close the long-established Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme at the end of 2025 has sparked widespread concern and dismay among growers and producer organisations (POs) in the horticultural sector.
For many years, this scheme has provided £40 million in matched funding annually, helping POs drive innovation, foster collaboration, and market their products effectively. Its removal is expected to pose significant challenges to the industry, potentially increasing the UK’s reliance on imported produce.
Defra Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner described the initiative as an EU legacy scheme, confirming that it will cease for POs in England on 31 December 2025. He reassured the sector that the government remains committed to supporting British farming while protecting the environment and will announce future support measures in due course.
While England faces the abrupt end of the scheme, devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland have opted to extend similar programmes, allowing their growers more time to transition into new support systems.
Industry leaders have voiced serious concerns about the impact of this decision. The PO Steering Group has urged the government to engage in immediate discussions to explore alternative support mechanisms. Chairman Patrick Bastow highlighted the potentially devastating consequences for growers, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, stating:
“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.”
As the sector braces for the loss of critical funding, industry representatives continue to push for urgent government action to prevent long-term damage to British horticulture.
For further details on the closure of the scheme, visit the UK government’s official guidance here.