British Berry Growers’ Sustainability Report
British Berry Growers has published its first-ever Sustainability Report — a landmark step in sharing how British berry growers are producing fruit responsibly and sustainably.
Based on a survey covering 56% of total UK berry production, the report highlights the progress already being made, the challenges ahead, and the innovation driving our sector forward.
Download the executive summary (link to full report at bottom of this page)
What’s inside the report
Working with nature
- 100% of berry growers are taking action to support biodiversity and enhance their farm environment.
- 96% have planted wildflower strips to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
- 91% have introduced grass buffer strips to protect watercourses.
- 61% have created wetlands, ponds, or environmentally enhanced areas around reservoirs.
Water stewardship
- Every grower surveyed measures water quality and has a water efficiency plan.
- 61% have reservoirs or rainwater stores, with some meeting 100% of their water needs from captured rainwater.
- In just three years, 65% of growers reduced their overall water use, by an average of 16%.
Reducing carbon and waste
- 70% have implemented actions to cut their carbon footprint.
- 96% are taking steps to reduce plastic use, including lighter-weight punnets and recycling tunnel films.
- Nearly two-thirds of crop protection spending is now on biological controls and biopesticides.
Innovation for the future
- 91% of growers have adopted digital technologies such as crop monitoring and decision-support tools.
- 43% are already trialling advanced solutions like UVC light treatment and AI disease detection.
- 65% are involved in plant breeding programmes, developing more sustainable and resilient berry varieties.
Why it matters
British berries are not only delicious and nutritious — they’re also one of the most sustainable choices consumers can make.
Supporting homegrown production reduces reliance on imports, protects jobs, and helps tackle climate change.
