National challenges demand local heroes. And the fresh food sector has these aplenty. Through COVID, Brexit and employment shortages, the sector's growers and producers have risen to the challenge and continue to feed the nation.

In Kent, this has particular resonance. The county remains the ‘growing garden of England', with a history of producing fruits, salads and leaves of the highest quality. Kentish fruit varieties are known across the world. It is the gateway to international fresh food, with packing and supply businesses delivering the supply chain nationally. With an estimated 5,000 full-time roles and employing 15,000-20,000 seasonal workers annually, the sector is also a major local employer.