RootWave has launched its first tractor-powered electrical weeding machine for orchards, vineyards and fruit. The machine kills weeds using electricity to give better weed control at a lower cost than chemical herbicides whilst protecting health and helping nature restore its soils, water and biodiversity.

Despite challenges in both the fruit and vine growing industries, the market for crafted ciders and English wine continues to grow. Fruit & Vine deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to consultant viticulturist, and wine and cider maker, Simon Day about industry trends, innovations and challenges.

Fruit and vegetable growers in Scotland have been given assurance of support over the next two years to help improve the quality, market value and sustainability of their produce. The Scottish Government has allocated up to £6 million over the next two years to extend the Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme.  

Vinescapes, one of the world’s leading vineyard and winery consultancies, has launched the industry’s first ever Graduate Training Programme of its kind and is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Stott as the first graduate trainee.

Scottish producer Angus Soft Fruits has unveiled the ‘World’s Largest Strawberry Crown’ in celebration of its AVA Magnum berries landing on supermarket shelves as well as King Charles’ inaugural Wimbledon.

In a bid to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles, British Berry Growers has partnered with Tough Mudder, the internationally recognised obstacle course and mud run, and will be handing out thousands of fresh berries at their upcoming Manchester event.

An exciting project, funded by the the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, to restore Suffolk’s orchards is underway in the historic Sandlings area of the county.

Major US wine company Jackson Family Wines has announced plans to expand its premium wine portfolio into the United Kingdom with seasoned winemaker and former Gusbourne CEO Charlie Holland taking the lead on the firm’s new venture.

The annual Orchard and Machinery Day, held in Newent, Gloucestershire, took place in late June, with more than 200 guests in attendance. The event provides a unique opportunity each year for the cider industry to thank those who work so hard growing apples for them and to celebrate the importance of British-grown cider apples. 

As climate change is increasingly felt across the UK and many wineries look to source more grapes to keep up with demand, Balfour Winery co-founder Richard Balfour-Lynn is urging British farmers to diversify into viticulture now and reap the benefits in the years to come.

One of the UK’s first suppliers of fruit and veg boxes has switched to 100% paper or home compostable packaging – as well as a number of other measures to help protect the planet. Fruit & Vine magazine spoke to Riverford’s head of sustainability Zac Goodall to find out more.

Much time and effort is spent by fruit producers and winemakers getting the growing, harvesting and pressing of grapes correct, along with the fermentation, processing and final filtration of the wine. Bottling however, requires just as much thought and consideration.