‘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 number of farmers struggle to grow in consistently high temperatures. Even those with irrigation systems and reservoirs on their farms say water is running low.
Prem Sikka, Emeritus Professor of Accounting. Member, UK House of Lords, comments:
Food insecurity and higher prices would follow. Poor hit the hardest. Despite warnings, no plan for water shortages. Need reservoirs, water storage, better water management. Companies can’t do national planning.
