In Fife in Fife, the Scottish strawberry harvest was going off to a decent beginning in the middle of May. Robert Simpson from Fife Fruits who cultivates soft fruit across 32 hectares of Fife stated that the first strawberry harvest is very good.

“The first fruit was ripe and did fairly smoothly, the timing was typical because the plants were fleeced, continued to grow and performed very well. However, those plants that were discovered in the spring but held in the winter to slow production suffered the cold winter and are running slightly further behind.”

Robert believes that his main season output to reach its highest in the coming weeks.

“Scotland has experienced some scorching temperatures over the past few weeks, however it has not affected the crops to much, but it could have an impact on the plant and I’m expecting the yield to increase.”

In normal years, the productions in Scotland and England are in sync, However, there was concern this year the English season could be delayed, resulting in an unintended clash with Scottish production. But as per Robert the same hasn’t been the case to date.

“We haven’t seen an increase in sales during the English season, as was forecast. The first few weeks have been good, and we’re in a position to market everything we decide to sell the items to sell.”

One of the biggest concerns for farmers right now is cost of production and the rising cost of labour.

“We have all heard about the issue of food prices and observed the price increase at the grocery store, however it isn’t reflected in the profits of growers. The cost of food has increased by 20 percent, yet we get the same return.”

In terms of supply of labour, it’s hard to tell how much there will be since the growers aren’t yet in peak of their season yet.

“We are surrounded by pickers who tell us they’re coming, but aren’t there. It will be clear within the next two weeks, if we’ve got enough workers. In the present, I’m able to declare that things are progressing good, however, there’s still some way to go and everything is difficult to know. It’s looking great and if we could pick the best of it, I’d be satisfied However, the larger picture is that we’re losing money on soft fruit at present.”

For further information:

Robert Simpson

Fife Fruits

Tel: +44 1334 655024

robert@fifefruits.co.uk

www.fifefruits.co.uk

Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies