The Soil Association was disappointed to see the government u-turn on their pledge to produce a horticulture strategy. This news has come amid multiple serious issues for the sector.

Soil Association Head of Food Policy Rob Percival said: "U-turning on the commitment to fix our broken food system with a horticulture strategy is a betrayal of both British growers and shoppers.

"Our shoppers are facing empty shelves, whilst our farmers and growers are struggling with fuel and electricity costs, labour shortages and dangerously low profits, and many are considering throwing in the towel.

"Droughts overseas and a delayed growing season in the UK threaten major food shortages. If we don't act, things could get worse.

"These problems are solvable – we want to see UK fruit and veg production doubled to support British growers and healthy diets.

"To do that we need policy that joins the dots between these issues, which the government is refusing to do."