Minister denies responsibility

MP ATTACKS MINISTER'S COMPLACENT AND UNPLEASANT ATTITUDE TO FRUIT FARMING

Hugh Robertson has attacked the Government over its complacent attitude to the dwindling National Orchard.

The MP raised the issue at DEFRA Questions last week asking Minister Alun Michael if he could, “explain to the House why the national orchard – the country’s supply of fruit trees – has declined by a staggering 25 per cent since this Government came to power?”

The Minister replied: “It is the industry's role to produce and to market goods at a quality and price that are attractive to consumers. It operates in a very competitive market, and certain products are more difficult to produce in this country than in others; those factors have certainly had an impact. Because of our climate, the yield of some varieties is not as great as it can be elsewhere. It is worth pointing out that horticulture has never received the price support that has caused such economic distortion in other areas of agriculture.”

Hugh Robertson said: “It is DEFRA’s own figures that show this alarming 25 per cent decrease in the national orchard. This will clearly have enormous consequences for fruit farmers and for those employed in the related industries of packing, transportation, and leisure/ tourism. If it continues, much of the Garden of England will be lost forever.

“The Minister’s utterly complacent and uncaring reply seems to reflect the government’s overall indifference to the sector. Fruit farming is an activity we all ought to support. Orchards are good for the environment, they are wholly unsubsidised and they provide high quality produce close to the market place.

“It is a vital part of the economy.”