Fruit growers in Kent are suffering from the impact of Russian sanctions which are lowering the price of their produce by up to a quarter.

Russia has banned imports from EU nations, which has led to a surplus of tree-grown fruit on the Continent.

The problem has been compounded by a very good harvest this year, which traditionally lowers prices anyway.

Hoo-based fruit grower A C Goatham & Son, which supplies a sixth of all the apples sold in Britain, says values of fallen between 20-25%.

Director Clive Goatham said: “The Russian market for fresh produce has disappeared almost overnight thanks to their self imposed ban on EU produce as retaliation for EU sanctions.

“This is pushing cheaper imports into the UK and combined with a bumper top fruit harvest, prices are at low levels not seen for many years.

“Despite this we have the confidence to continue to invest and are looking to the long term.

“I would urge shoppers to continue to support British farmers where they can and buy British apples and pears to support local jobs.”

It comes as the company unveils plans to invest £8m in new cold storage and fruit processing facilities at its Flanders Farm in Hoo, which would boost supply further all-year-round.

The family-business, which began trading in 1947, also plans to launch a new planting scheme, which will see 268,500 new fruit trees planted in Medway and another 280,000 across Kent within 18 months.

The proposals would create 15 full-time jobs and 200 seasonal and part time vacancies over the next two years.

Earlier this year, the company published a 20-year strategic review, highlighting how it aims to help the UK become self-sufficient in fruit production.

The company contributes £12m GVA to the Medway economy, which it expects to rise to £28m over the next two decades.

Mr Goatham added: “It was only earlier this year when traceability and security in the food chain were dominating the headlines following the horsemeat scandal.

“It is important that as a country we can maintain and increase the amount of home-grown produce available to consumers.

“We are in a position where we can be more self-sufficient, as a nation and at a time when there is increasing turmoil in many parts of the world, this has never been more important.

“British Farmers have to be supported and thanks to our investment over the last several years in all areas of our business we are in a much stronger position to grow over the next 20 years and beyond.”

The company will be submitting a planning application for its new cold storage and processing facility this week.