Tight supply, smaller sizes and lower quality expected after crops mature early in East Anglia
The British onion crop is facing its toughest season on record due to prolonged drought and extreme heat, according to the British Onion Producer’s Association (BOPA).
The association said plant population, bulb size and marketable yields have been affected in East Anglia, where around 90 per cent of the British onion crop is grown.
The Met Office reported just 2mm of rainfall for the whole of July in the region, approximately 96 per cent below average.
Similar conditions across Europe have also affected production, with yields in key regions forecast to be over 25 per cent below normal.
Heat stress on onions can also increase the risk of fusarium, commonly known as base rot, as the association predicted that quality is expected to be a major issue this season.
According to BOPA, water shortages and restrictions have posed significant barriers to irrigating at key stages. As a result, crops have matured exceptionally early, with some finishing more than a month ahead of normal.
The crop association called for action to support growers investing in irrigation. The NFU, British Berry Growers (BBG) and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) have also recently made urged the government to support water action.
The calls have come as Andy Burnham announced a new package of support for farmers and growers struggling with drought, including £15 million funding for reservoirs.
Ben Collins, chairman of BOPA, said: “This is the most challenging season ever encountered by the British onion industry. The combination of prolonged drought, extreme heat and limited water availability has put this year’s crop under extreme pressure.
“It is clear that yield and bulb size will be a challenge this season, while the extreme growing conditions are also creating significant concerns around quality.”
FPJ reported last week that British potatoes are facing lower yields and smaller tubers as the heatwave has reduced crop growth at an early stage in the season.
