Our farming industry currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a variety of challenges that threaten its stability and sustainability. From climate-induced crop failures to post-Brexit trade complexities, the sector faces unprecedented pressures. Yet, amidst these seemingly impossible hurdles, new and innovative approaches and policy reforms offer a beacon of hope. This article delves into the current state of the UK's fruit and vegetable supply chain, highlighting the obstacles it faces and the strides being made towards a more resilient and sustainable future including how small businesses are doing their bit for the local community. Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Crop Yields Recent years have seen the UK's agriculture sector increasingly impacted by extreme weather events. The period between 2023 and 2024 was marked by the wettest 18 months on record, leading to waterlogged soils and significant reductions in crop yields. Vegetable yields dropped by 4.9%, while fruit production saw a 12% decline. The area dedicated to vegetable cultivation also decreased by 6.5%, exacerbating the supply challenges. Farmers are urging the government to implement a strategic plan to bolster food security in the face of escalating climate risks. [...]
There’s something appealing about the idea of growing your own fruit and vegetables; picking fresh tomatoes, harvesting your own strawberries, or pulling up a crop of homegrown carrots. It sounds like a great step in becoming more sustainable as a household saving money on organic produce in the supermarket, but is it really as cost-effective as it seems? The reality is that while growing your own produce can be rewarding, it comes with hidden costs, including equipment and water usage, that many people don’t consider. Whilst our previous blog outlined the best way to preserve seeds for growing, this article breaks down the real cost of growing your own fruit and veg, and explores why buying fresh, locally sourced produce may be the more sustainable choice in the long-term. [...]
Spring is almost upon us and now is the perfect time to start thinking about things to do in the garden. While we always encourage you to enjoy our quality-sourced fruits and veg, we think growing your own is a rewarding way to connect with your food and the local environment. A simple way to start is by saving seeds from produce you already have and our latest article offers some easy tips on how to save seeds from some of the most popular fruits and vegetables, ready to plant in your garden or windowsill! [...]
Local milk and produce delivery has been a cornerstone of British life for centuries, evolving from simple beginnings to the thriving service thousands of people rely on today. In an industry dominated by supermarkets and global supply chains, the charm and practicality of local food delivery has remained loyal to customers, offering fresh, high-quality produce directly to our doorsteps. In Cambridge and beyond, this tradition reflects a deeper connection to our local communities, farmers, and the environment. [...]
Christmas is a time of culinary abundance, which can often mean an overflowing fridge the next day. Instead of letting all those less-desired trimmings go to waste, why not transform them into delicious meals to enjoy in the days that follow? In this article, we share some creative and simple recipes to make the most of your Christmas leftovers without boring the palate! [...]
The festive season is now upon us and it’s a time for some much-needed joy, giving, and of course, indulging in delicious food and drink. At Plumbs’ Dairy, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the very best that our local suppliers have to offer. This year, we’re here to help you create a Christmas that’s not only special for your loved ones but also supports small businesses, is sustainable, and brings the warmth of East Anglia’s finest to your table. Local Goodness Delivered for Free One of the most stressful parts of Christmas is the endless to-do list, but with Plumbs’ Dairy, we’re here to lighten the load. With free delivery on all orders and no minimum spend, you can stock up on everything you need without worrying about hitting a spending threshold or tackling busy shops. Whether it’s a box of fresh fruit and vegetables for your Christmas roast or a last-minute stocking filler, we’ll deliver it straight to your door. [...]
We are living in an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront of our thoughts and the importance of reducing plastic waste cannot be overstated. Plastic pollution has a profound impact on our ecosystems, wildlife, and even our health. At Plumbs Dairy, we understand the significance of making sustainable choices, which is why our family-run business is committed to providing fresh produce without the plastic wherever possible. The Plastic Problem Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, landfills, and natural habitats. From single-use bags to packaging materials, plastic items take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to a growing environmental crisis. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing products that minimise or eliminate plastic packaging. [...]
We’ve reached that time of year again where the leaves begin to turn from green to copper and the weather cools (and dampens). September marks the start of autumn, and the perfect time to enjoy hearty, warming meals. Autumn brings with it an abundance of fresh seasonal produce like squash, sweet potatoes, and root vegetables, making it the ideal time to switch up your cooking routine. Below are five delicious yet easy recipes that make full-use of what the season has to offer through locally sourced fruits and vegetables. [...]
