‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops
Growers in dismay after scorching weather and lack of rain affect yields, sending wholesale prices rocketing Pubs, restaurants and supermarkets are having to buy lettuce and broccoli from Spain at what should be the height of UK growing season, as drought and extreme heat hit crops. The wholesale price of tomatoes is up by more than 60%, iceberg lettuce by 90% and potatoes by more than 40% as a…
A severe drought and heatwave have severely affected vegetable crops in the United Kingdom, prompting growers to turn to imports as yields plummet. Supermarkets and pubs, among others, are now forced to buy lettuce, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, and peas from Spain and Holland, despite it being the peak UK growing season. Wholesale prices for these vegetables have skyrocketed, with tomatoes up over 60%, lettuce by 90%, and potatoes by more than 40%.
David Simmons, a broccoli grower from Cornwall, explains that his yield has halved due to the extreme temperatures. The UK is now short of broccoli, leading to imports from Spain and Holland. Cauliflowers could also become short in the next two weeks, warning the Brassica Growers' Association.
Stephen Francis, representing 60 Lincolnshire pea farmers, reports a third drop in the English pea harvest. Scottish growers, who contribute about a fifth of UK pea production, anticipate an average harvest.
The UK's biggest supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Aldi, have written to the government, expressing concern that wildfires and extreme weather threaten the nation's food security. Over 100 organizations, including food manufacturers and wholesalers, urge the government to make the food system a national priority and reduce reliance on imports.
Tim O’Malley, the chair of Nationwide Produce, a wholesaler supplying restaurants and catering companies, says the situation is worse than the public realizes. Field crops like leafy greens, broccoli, and iceberg lettuce are particularly hard-hit. O’Malley admits they are running out of water and notes that field crops usually sourced from the UK are now being imported from Spain due to their experience with high temperatures.
Rodger Hobson, a Yorkshire carrot grower, calls this year the "worst we've ever known." Carrot production has dropped to 30,000 tonnes, equivalent to 4% of the UK crop. Carrots require sandy soils and can't tolerate temperatures above 30C, which Hobson says causes them to wilt and die. The main carrot crop, usually harvested from September, is at risk of running out early this spring, requiring imports to fill the gap.
New potatoes are already on supermarket shelves, while main-crop potatoes are harvested in September or October. Scott Walker, the chief executive of the GB Potatoes industry body, expects a smaller potato harvest due to similar heatwaves in Europe. Consumers may need to accept more variation in potato sizes.
Growers are pushing for government support to build reservoirs that can store winter and spring rain for summer crop watering. Many farmers struggle to invest in water storage, as it is costly and often requires long approval processes.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
