Produce by spadework? (3,2)

I believe the answer is:

dig up

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'produce' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dig up that I've seen before include "Unearth" , "Excavate - discover" , "Uncover (something hidden)" , "Exhume" , "Disinter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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