Retailer and grower relationships and the supply chain pressures in English horticulture: The lived experience
Abstract
This research paper examines the pressurised relationship between growers and retailers in the English horticultural supply chain and the associated impact on labour. Although there is some literature detailing the supply chain there is little current published data, despite the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this research aims to generate a modern evaluation of the retailer/grower relationship in English horticulture by investigating the lived experience of growers. The results showed the supply chain is highly pressurised with many growers fighting for survival and often risking capital to remain efficient and competitive. The effects of both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have further highlighted the faults and pressures within the system and the avaliabilty of labour has further been affected. Although some employers have been able to adopt certain methods to improve working conditions and reduce their need for seasonal labour, ultimately the sector has reached a cross-roads with an uncertain future.