Winemakers prosper but veg farms wilt in the drought

The drought has had a profound impact on Wiltshire vegetable farms, with many farmers facing significant losses. Phil Collins, a vegetable farmer, had never experienced an overdraft before the recent six weeks of no rain. Six thousand cauliflowers at £1.25 each have shriveled, causing a substantial dent in his bank balance. Across the country, veg farmers are warning of a potential produce shortage after the driest July in 190 years.

However, one sector is thriving in the drought conditions: winemakers. The warm, dry days are ideal for grape ripening, leading to higher yields and richer flavors. Somerset winemaker Sandy Luck reports that the summer has been excellent for her winemaking, with plump grapes and an increase in sugar content. This has allowed English winemakers to produce higher-quality still red wines, a shift that was not previously possible due to the cooler climate.

The South and South West of England are now experiencing summers similar to those in central France 20 years ago, enabling the production of a wider variety of wine styles. Despite the benefits for winemakers, the drought has been devastating for vegetable farmers like Collins. The scorching heat has scorched his crops, leading to significant losses and financial strain.

If he were to irrigate his crops to prevent further damage, the costs would make his produce far more expensive than supermarket alternatives. Climate scientists confirm that the extreme heatwaves and persistent drought are exacerbated by climate change, predicting more frequent and intense hot summers in the UK. Collins and Luck acknowledge the need to adapt to these changing conditions and are considering what crops they can successfully grow in the face of an increasingly challenging climate.