Retailer and grower relationships and the supply chain pressures in English horticulture: The lived experience

• Published in: Journal of rural studies 2023-08, Vol.102, p.103103, Article 103103
• Main Authors: Barlow, Holly, Lostak, Michal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Grower and retailer relationship; Horticulture; Migrant labour; Supply chain
• ISSN: 0743-0167; 1873-1392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2023.103103

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. •The relationship between growers and retailers is highly pressurised with a heavily unbalanced supply chain with domestic growers fighting to survive•The Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have shone a light on the faults in the current horticultural supply chain, there is little current published data reflecting growers experiences.•The research documents the lived experience of horticultural growers in England.•The horticulture sector has developed a heavy reliance on the social flexibility of migrant workers and has suffered as the availability of labour has dramatically reduced due to Brexit and the Covid −19 pandemic.