The hungry gap, The B word and the effect of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit will have on London Box Schemes like ours.
In the words of the Danny Dyer (I agree it’s an unusual name check for a veg scheme blog): ‘Brexit is a mad riddle which no one has the answer to’. Yet it’s happening, and whilst we can’t predict exactly what might happen, we do feel it’s the right time to add to the cacophony of Brexit chatter to share our views on what a no-deal Brexit would mean for UK seasonal, organic fruit and veg box schemes such as Local Greens.
Let’s talk supply & demand
Central to the Local Greens ethos is buying locally and sourcing all of our fruit and veg from organic or spray free UK farms. Over the last 7 years we’ve worked hard to grow and maintain great relationships with 6 local farms, the furthest of which is 100 miles away.
In doing so we’ve been able to provide a service which fits the needs and values of our business as well as of the South London community. If a ‘no-dea’l Brexit happens on 29th March it is safe to say that this will lead to increased pressure and stress on UK importers of EU fruit and veg which we believe will have a knock-on effect resulting in more UK retailers looking to farms, like the ones we support, to buy their fruit and veg.
Less of what we love on our plates?
At Local Greens we think that an increase in demand for UK fruit and veg will see (in the short term) less of what we love in circulation which may lead to changes in availability of certain bag items. However, due to our ongoing relationships with the farms, we remain confident that we can maintain high standards of fruit and veg variety and quality. That said we need to be totally transparent with how we feel this can be achieved - we believe competition will result in a trickledown effect which will increase the price of fruit and veg you receive.
Comedy timing & The Hungry Gap
The date set for Brexit in relation to the UK farming industry is unfortunate to say the least. The end of March is the start of the Hungry Gap – the time of year when we rely on UK stored veg and hardy winter crops such before the new-season veg has started to grow. During this time, we try to rotate the bag contents as much as possible. We hope to continue as usual this year but won’t know until we get closer to that date. For now, please complete this short survey which will help us plan in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VJDQHQF
It's not all doom and gloom!
Whatever happens, it’s business as usual for Local Greens. We’ll continue providing great fruit and veg from local farms in the way we do now, and we will do our best should a no deal happen to minimise any impact on the scheme and our community.
In need of more info? With just over 60 days before we're set to leave the EU Dan Saladino gathers thoughts along the food supply chain, from farmers and retailers to exporters and so called "preppers", on the prospects of a no deal Brexit. To access the interview head to The BBC's Food Programme