The Future of UK Orchard Fruit

The Future of UK Orchard Fruit tells the story of UK fruit and what’s needed for the sector to thrive, through the voices of those driving innovation and momentum across the sector. 

Orchards in the UK face an increasingly uncertain future due to climate change, changes to global supply chains, access to land, availability of labour and the economic viability of UK farming businesses. It’s a critical time for all stakeholders to be making the case for a positive, thriving future for orchards as the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. 

Orchards in the UK have a long history in our culture and traditional heritage, and they also provide many other benefits for nature, communities and individuals. From greater connection to the land and each other, to access to healthy food and increasing biodiversity and climate resilience. Not only are they part of UK tradition, they are also part of the traditions and history of many who’ve come to live and work in the UK.  

To ensure that we protect orchard spaces for the many benefits they create, we need to act now.  

Why now? What could the future look like? 

There are many types of orchards in the UK. From small community orchards to traditional and bush orchards growing apples for cider, and large-scale commercial orchards growing the fruit we buy in supermarkets. Despite this diversity, most stakeholders are concerned with the same challenges including environmentally friendly and climate resilient orchard management, access to labour and financial viability via market access.  

Our collaborative research engaged over 150 stakeholders across the UK orchard sector. Together we identified five visions for what a thriving and climate resilient orchard sector in the UK would look like and what was needed to achieve that vision. 

1. The UK grows more of the top fruit it needs to feed its citizens. Supply chains support British farmers with fair prices, sharing risk with long-term, responsive contracts, allowing producers to continue to invest in their orchards. There are markets available for fruit grown in commercial orchards of all sizes. Cutting edge storage facilities for storing British fruit year-round are widespread and extend the availability of British top fruit. 

2. Orchards, especially traditional orchards, are protected and funded for their biodiversity and environmental benefits. Developers work closely with local councils and communities to preserve traditional orchard spaces and put plans into action for planting and maintaining new orchard spaces for the long term. Traditional orchards are designated as protected landmarks, preserving their cultural and historical significance and as rich habitats for biodiversity. 

3. Community orchards are more accessible and available to everyone living in the UK, offering opportunities to connect to food growing, nature, and neighbours. These spaces are inclusive, supported by local councils, and are maintained long-term by community members equipped with training and resources. 

4. There are ample jobs and people with the skills needed to care for fruit trees and orchards of all sizes. Community orchard groups offer skills training for communities and UK agricultural colleges have courses for future orchardists. Orchard fruit production is incentivised as a viable and desirable career that allows people to earn a decent living. 

5. UK cider, like French wine, is sought after globally for its unique taste and regionality. Rural communities and the UK economy are bolstered by the traditional cider making industry. Ecosystems are regenerated by a system of commercially operated, traditional cider orchards. 

This new report tells the story of the future of UK fruit through the work and images of those innovating and driving momentum for a thriving and resilient sector. It speaks to what is needed for the sector to thrive and includes calls to action for individuals, retailers and government: highlighting platforms and programs you can engage with to support progress.  

Follow the links to join the action or find out more about what you can do. 

Download the full report

You can download each of the five visions as a resource to share with others or use it as a presentation yourself:

Vision 1: Secure and resilient local supply

Vision 2: Orchards as solutions for nature and biodiversity

Vision 3: Orchard spaces for communities

Vision 4: Jobs and skills for thriving orchards

Vision 5: Promoting fine cider internationally 

Watch and share the three films from our storytellers:

Polly Hilton from Find & Foster speaks about the contribution that fine cider making, makes to protecting traditional orchards and their biodiversity.

James Simpson speaks about the innovative approaches that commercial growers are taking to increase the volume of British fruit sold in our supermarkets.  

Kath Rosen from The Orchard Project speaks about the skill development needed for caring for community orchards and the individual and community wellbeing benefits that community orchards create.