An eco-friendly weed-killing system which uses electricity instead of harmful chemicals to treat orchards and vineyards is set to go to market after support from Coventry University.

As the UK reels from recent fruit and vegetable shortages, scientists are advising how to increase homegrown produce – benefitting the economy and the environment.

A natural plant biostimulant is helping to minimise or eliminate crop damage caused by late frosts, by stimulating the production of natural plant Anti-Freeze Protein (AFP) in flowering fruit crops

Gwinllan Conwy in North Wales is the first vineyard to use sheep fleeces as mulch under vines, with owner Colin Bennett reporting a multitude of benefits so far, such as improved soil health, weed and pest suppression, and fuller-bodied wines.

As the nation continues to grapple with shortages of fresh fruit and vegetables, the NFU has today (1st March) launched its growth strategy for UK horticulture, which could be the solution to minimising future supply chain disruption if backed by government.

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused huge damage to some vineyards and wineries since it hit the North Island around two weeks ago – on the cusp of the busiest time of year for the wine making industry.

British consumers are set to suffer further food shortages as more apple and pear growers are forced to dig up orchards and pursue other avenues over unsustainable returns from retailers.

NFU president Minette Batters has called for greater support for the horticulture sector, warning that a range of British fruit and vegetables could be in short supply this year.

As the European agri-tech company opens its first UK base at NIAB’s Barn4 AgriTech incubator in Cambridge, Sencrop is looking to make the most of viticulture research opportunities, such as developing new disease modelling in grapevines.

Growing Kent & Medway (GKM) has awarded a total of £154,000 funding in the form of research vouchers to 11 horticulture, food and drink businesses for projects aiming to overcome sustainability challenges.

Since blackcurrants need cold winters to thrive, scientists at the James Hutton Institute (JHI) have been working to develop a new variety called Ben Lawers which crops well in warmer winters, helping growers overcome a major sustainability challenge.

The WineGB stand at the global wine and spirit exhibition event ProWein will be lining up nine English wine brands as the industry aspires to grow its export markets.