The British Growers Association has raised concerns about potential supply shortages in the UK due to unfavorable weather conditions. Vegetable growers have experienced delays in production as a result of a wet March and an unusually cold April, causing UK field vegetable crops to be significantly behind schedule. This delay is expected to impact the availability of domestic produce. Government statistics reveal that March 2023 was the wettest in England since 1981, following a dry summer and cold winter.
The CEO of the British Growers Association stated that the adverse weather has particularly affected vegetables requiring outdoor planting, such as brassicas, new season carrots, lettuce, and vining peas. These crops in some regions of the country are facing delays of four weeks or more. The CEO expressed the need for an early start to the vegetable season, ideally commencing in February or March. However, the unfavorable weather conditions persisted throughout March and April, hampering the progress.
Additionally, UK greenhouse salad vegetable production (including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers) is also facing challenges due to reduced and delayed planting, primarily caused by high energy costs. As a result, supermarkets may experience difficulties in sourcing sufficient vegetable supplies for the months of May and June. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the UK’s food supply chain to weather conditions.
The CEO further described the current sentiment among UK vegetable growers as despondent. The combination of market challenges, narrow profit margins, labor shortages, and unfavorable weather conditions has made it increasingly challenging for growers to sustain their operations. Some growers are questioning the viability of their profession and considering alternative career paths. A major grower-importer emphasized that transitioning from one supply country to another is inherently complex, as it relies on weather-dependent crop changes.
It is not uncommon for the winter crop of one country to conclude early while the spring or summer crop of another country starts late. Successfully managing this transition is a crucial skill for suppliers and importers to ensure a steady supply for their customers.
Source: fruitnet.com, Photo : https://www.pexels.com/photo/tomatoes-carrots-and-radish-on-the-top-of-the-table-196643/
10 May 2023
