Top of the crops: record heatwaves help deliver bumper UK berry harvest

British berry farmers have experienced a sweltering summer marked by heatwaves, wildfires, and water shortages, yet they have managed to deliver a record-breaking berry harvest. The British Berry Growers (BBG) report indicates that this year's harvest is 6% larger than last year's already larger-than-usual yield. Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries have been particularly successful, growing rapidly under polytunnels that protect them from the intense heat.

The investment in climate-resilient irrigation has played a significant role in enabling this bumper harvest. However, late-season strawberry production is expected to be slower due to plants becoming exhausted from heavy cropping during the heatwave. Blackcurrant production is also anticipated to be down by 10%. Despite record heatwaves, drought, and wildfires, British growers have collectively invested millions in improving resilience, such as secure water supplies and efficient drip irrigation systems.

While the hot weather could reduce the size of fruit as berries ripen sooner, the industry has had a good start to the season. The summer has been particularly challenging for other UK food producers, with cereal harvests falling below the five-year average and spring barley yields expected to be a quarter below average. Despite these challenges, berry growers have managed to afford investments in reservoirs to cope with drought, although about 40% still lack such infrastructure, relying on mains water or river extraction.

The government is taking steps to support growers by easing planning restrictions for on-farm reservoirs and river abstraction, recognizing the need for more assistance to help UK berry growers expand production to meet demand as other fruit suppliers face water shortages and extreme heat.