BASF support gives NextGen fruit pioneers confidence to drive industry forward
02.04.2024
Against a backdrop of high energy costs, low margins, trade barriers and labour shortages, there is a positive force determined to push the UK’s fruit sector forward. The NextGen Fruit Group is an ambitious group of pioneering people who are challenging today’s ‘impossible’.
In October 2023, a report from the House of Lords Horticulture Sector Committee ‘Sowing the seeds: A blooming English horticultural sector’ said the future of the industry was at a ‘pivotal moment’.
Despite contributing £5 billion to the economy and employing over 50,000 people, it faces more than its fair share of challenges. Politically, cross-departmental working, governmental oversight and a lack of strategy means horticultural businesses are facing uncertainty. An ‘erratic and confusing trading environment’, ever increasing costs and unrelenting competition between supermarkets to restrict prices, means profitability is often unobtainable. The report also describes a long-term skills and education gap that fuels dependence on a ‘poorly planned and managed seasonal migrant worker scheme’.
With horticulture playing a key role in the UK’s food security, providing diversity in the landscape offering unique habitats for species and potentially a carbon sink, the consequences of not tackling these issues are far-reaching.
The NextGen Fruit Group’s recent inaugural Innovation Day focused very much on the ‘possible’ – the technology, the science and the people which can drive change.
“Too often industry events focus on the issues we face, so it was refreshing and motivating to hear from those that are pursuing change, embracing the opportunities that lie within the sector and are hopeful for the future,” says Mike Rudge, NextGen board member and commercial manager at Perfectly Fresh.
While innovation was the theme, arguably it is the less visible thread of collaboration which is NextGen’s true powerhouse.
“NextGen is a vision that pulls together young people from across the industry, engaging them in networking and the sharing of experiences and knowledge. Members take ideas, learnings and the strength that only a community brings back with them to their businesses, driving UK horticulture,” explains Mike.
With financial pressures on the sector mounting in recent years, the NextGen group relies on industry support to facilitate its activities. But the organisation won’t join forces with anyone, it has a discerning wish-list for supporters.
“We partner with organisations that have a wider exposure to the industry, and expertise that they can bring and share with members,” says Mike. “We aim to create space and time to connect with partners on an equal footing. It’s very much a peer-to-peer type relationship.
“BASF is a great example and is very good at being present,” he continues. “The company embraces the idea of connecting with growers, walking alongside them as they try to find solutions. Our members respond well to that, and love the fact that BASF is willing to listen and engage with hard-hitting questions which, in a traditional sales environment, couldn’t be explored.”
Rob Gladwin, Head of Technical Management, tackled some of the biggest and hardest questions around the industry’s future at the Innovation Day.
“Farmers have an increasingly difficult, but also increasingly important role to balance the need for increased productivity, environmental protection and value to society,” he says. “It’s about working together to help find the right balance for farming, food production, the environment and for future generations.”
As well as providing insights into the political and policy landscape, Rob explained the three pillars that support BASF’s strategy to champion agriculture and encouraged NextGen members to get involved.
“Through our sustainability activities we’re creating the evidence to demonstrate how food production and sustainable land management can be balanced. It supports our political and governmental affairs work, and is used as a platform for the messages to stakeholders. Farmers can help us amplify those messages by talking about the myriad of work they are doing and engaging in our Biggest Job on Earth initiative.”
When it comes to elevating that message, BASF Agronomy Manager, Maria Tzortzi, suggests that fruit growers are uniquely positioned: “In comparison with other crop growers, fruit producers are closer to consumers. That means, on occasions, they face more pressure and may have to be more transparent about their environmental impacts.”
Maria has been representing BASF at NextGen Fruit Group meetings since 2021 and is passionate about the relationship from both a business and a personal perspective.
“It’s really important that the likes of BASF support these initiatives. It’s a great way of showing our commitment to the sector and we get deeper insights as well as a broader perspective of the industry. NextGen members tend to be very progressive and open to ideas, and we want to be a part of that.”
One of those members is Alix Stewart, from Angus Growers. Having joined the company after graduating from SRUC in 2016 with a BSc in Agriculture, she’s now an agronomist and manages the company’s soft fruit trial site at East Seaton, Arbroath.
“NextGen gives me a chance to expand my knowledge, get new ideas and speak with like-minded individuals within the industry,” she says. “We have to work together to push the industry forward because often, we’re facing the same challenges. Working with each other we’re more likely to reach our goals in terms of sustainability and profitability.”
Alix recognises that being based in Scotland can be isolating and considers the NextGen Fruit Group to offer personal as well as professional benefits.
“There aren’t many others doing the same job as me up here. NextGen gives me the opportunity to build connections and understand the bigger picture. That’s great for me, the business that I work for and our growers.”
With members amplifying their learnings through the businesses, suppliers and customers they work with, the impact of the NextGen Fruit Group is magnified. It’s another example of the power of collaboration, innovation, and focusing on the 'possible'.
