Michael Barker

London

Contributing Editor at Fresh Produce Journal

Journalist at Freelance

Journalist, editor and speaker, specialising in food and farming | Author, board member and charity trustee

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Articles

NFU outlines key asks ahead of Spending Review

1 day ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

The NFU has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to invest in the UK’s food security in the upcoming Spending Review. All eyes are on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spending ReviewImage: Chris McAndrewWith geopolitical tensions high, a rapidly changing trading environment and climate change disrupting food supply chains across the world, the NFU has highlighted how it believes investment in homegrown food production today can help avoid food insecurity tomorrow.
Financial barriers ‘stalling hospitality entrepreneurs’, says McCain

2 days ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

McCain Foods has warned that more support needs to be given to the next generation of foodservice operators. McCain wants more support for new hospitality operatorsThe frozen potato specialist has unveiled its inaugural impact report for the Streets Ahead programme, which aims to support the next generation of foodservice operators and bolster the UK hospitality sector.
New AES president calls for data-driven sustainability policies

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Paul Wilson, professor of agricultural economics and director of the Centre for Food Policy and Foresight at the University of Nottingham, has been named as the new president of the Agricultural Economics Society (AES). Wilson was given the 2025-26 presidency at the society’s 99th annual conference in Bordeaux, France, where he used his address to outline the need for sustainability assessment to be at the heart of future food system policy making.
Retailers drop price of popular Easter veg to 8p

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Morrisons and Asda have slashed the price of British seasonal veg to just 8p in time for Easter weekend roasts. Morrisons has dropped the price of carrotsThe steep discounting has echoes of the Christmas price war, when supermarkets offered key veg lines for mere pennies over the festive period. From 14-20 April, Morrisons More Card holders can pick up 1kg of British carrots, 500g of British parsnips and a British whole Swede for 8p each, with the promotions representing savings of 87-89 per cent.
Two new faces join the team at Rijk Zwaan UK

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Rijk Zwaan UK has announced the appointment of two new hires. Annie Stephen and Lukasz SipiorAnnie Stephen takes on the role of client manager chain, while Lukasz Sipior will be client manager. Stephen began her career in the equine industry, eventually rising to the role of international sales manager for the prestigious brand Carr & Day & Martin. In that position, she travelled extensively, visiting approximately 35 countries over three years including Russia and New Zealand.
Co-op first to sell 100 per cent British strawberries this year

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Co-op British strawberriesThe Co-op is claiming first place in the race to sell 100 per cent British strawberries nationwide this summer. From 19 April, all of the Co-op’s own-brand strawberries will be exclusively sourced from UK farms, the retailer revealed, in a move it said underlined its commitment to supporting British agriculture and should drive sales during the Easter holidays.
FareShare names new CEO and chair of trustees

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Kris Gibbon-Walsh has been appointed as permanent chief executive at FareShare, having held the position as interim since October 2024. FareShare CEO Kris Gibbon-WalshThe food redistribution charity also announced that Dominic Blakemore has been appointed as chair of trustees, following the announcement that John Bason will be stepping down from the role after serving as chair for 13 years.
Sunny weather brings glut of UK strawberries

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

The sunny April has brought the first commercial quantities of this season’s British-grown strawberries in time for Easter. The Summer Berry Company has achieved year-round UK supplyThat’s according to Tesco, which said its supplier The Summer Berry Company has produced nearly 200 tonnes of fruit – about 50t more than the same time last year – thanks to the extra sunshine and recent warm weather.
Fera calls for partners to support wireworm control research

1 week ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Joined-up efforts through Enigma I have been crucial to changing the status quo for wireworm controlFindings from Fera Science’s research project ‘Enigma I – Wireworm IPM’ are now driving a second crucial phase of collaborative research.
Jones Food Company falls into administration

2 weeks ago | fruitnet.com | Michael Barker

Vertical farming specialist Jones Food Company (JFC) has gone into administration, FPJ can exclusively reveal. The Lydney, Gloucestershire-based business closed its doors this week, with sources telling FPJ that orders have been suspended and staff sent home. Administrators Damian Webb and Stephanie Sutton at RSM UK have been appointed to manage the business. FPJ has contacted the administrators for comment.