British Berry Growers (BBG), the organisation representing 95% of the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, has today published its Sustainability Report 2025, showcasing how the industry is leading the way in sustainable farming practices while continuing to supply healthy, homegrown berries to the nation.
The report, compiled by Collison & Associates Ltd and based on a comprehensive survey covering over half of the UK’s total berry production, details how British berry farms are delivering world-leading sustainability gains across ten key themes including water stewardship, carbon reduction, biodiversity, waste minimisation and digital innovation.
“Ethical and sustainable farming practices are at the heart of British berry production. This report shows our growers are innovating and investing at every stage to deliver healthy berries responsibly and sustainably” said Dr Louise Sutherland, director of research and development for British Berry Growers.
Key findings from the report include:
- Water stewardship:
- 100% of growers monitor water quality and have water efficiency plans.
- 61% have on-farm reservoirs or rainwater stores, with some meeting 100% of their needs from captured rainwater.
- 65% have reduced their overall water use in the last three years by an average of 16%.
- Carbon and energy:
- 96% record data to calculate carbon footprints, 70% have already implemented reduction actions, and 61% have plans for further cuts.
- Rapid uptake of renewable energy and precision irrigation is reducing emissions and energy use.
- Crop protection and biodiversity:
- Nearly two-thirds of crop protection spending is now on biologicals and biopesticides.
- 100% of growers support biodiversity, with 96% planting wildflower strips and 61% creating wetlands or ponds for wildlife.
- Circular economy:
- 96% are cutting plastic use and 78% recycle tunnel films.
- 74% have reduced the weight of plastic punnets, and plastic-free alternatives are emerging.
- Innovation and technology:
- 91% of growers have adopted digital systems such as AI-driven monitoring, decision-support tools and automation.
- New plant breeding programmes are developing resilient and sustainable berry varieties.
Sustaining growth for the future
Having grown by 78% since 2012, the British berry sector’s expansion has slowed due to rising costs and external pressures, but, as this report demonstrates, growers continue to invest in sustainability as a route to long-term resilience.
“British berries are among the most sustainable and nutritious fruits we can eat. As the UK tackles climate change and poor nutrition, supporting homegrown berry production has never been more important,” added Nick Marston, executive chair of British Berry Growers.
