A resilient UK edible horticulture sector: Analysis of recent national strategy documents

Abstract It is widely recognised that the average UK diet does not meet recommended daily intakes of fruit and vegetables and that this is leading towards considerable additional stress on the UK's healthcare system. At the same time, the United Kingdom produces less home‐grown fresh produce each year and the increasing dependence on imports reduces resilience in the UK's food system. The resulting opportunity gap has encouraged many organisations to publish food and farming strategies that focus on, or involve, the UK edible horticulture sector. This paper is a synthesis of these publications with common themes discussed critically. We compiled a synthesis of 11 strategy and advocacy documents involving the edible horticulture sector, including reports to Parliamentary Committees, policy papers and strategy briefings. We have drawn out common and repeated strategic priorities and relate these to contemporary policy developments. Some of these themes have been addressed in recent government policy advances as part of wider considerations, such as The UK government food strategy for England, 2025. Others remain more sector specific. This is the first critical analysis to draw together the views of diverse organisations and to frame priority actions for government. It is imperative that edible horticulture is given more prominence in national strategic thinking and policy making.