Challenges and Future of UK Soft Fruit Farming Amid Automation Needs
Farmers in the UK face significant challenges, primarily due to climate change and extreme weather. The summer of 2025 saw record low rainfall, highlighting the unpredictability of weather patterns. The rising national living wage has increased labor costs, pushing soft fruit growers to adopt robotics for sustainability. Misconceptions about limited career prospects in agriculture persist, despite the potential for innovation and earnings. Additionally, there is frustration over government policies from DEFRA that do not align with the realities of soft fruit farming, emphasizing the need for collaboration.
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UK farmers are grappling with severe challenges, particularly climate change and extreme weather, as evidenced by the summer of 2025, which experienced one of the driest periods since 1976. The national living wage has risen from £7.20 in 2016 to £12.71, making labor costs the largest expense for soft fruit growers.
To adapt, the sector must increasingly rely on robotics. Despite misconceptions about career opportunities in agriculture, there is potential for innovation and high earnings. Frustration arises from government policies by DEFRA that do not match the operational realities of soft fruit farming, necessitating a more collaborative approach.
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