Brassica and pea growers are forecasting an early start to harvest thanks to the warm spring, with hopes of building anticipation for the homegrown crop among consumers
UK veg growers are forecasting an early season as warm weather has brought crops on early.
Cornish veg growers are expecting to harvest new season broccoli around three weeks early, while the pea sector is forecasting the season will begin a week ahead of schedule.
Stephen Francis, managing director of pea co-operative Fen Peas, said he would finish drilling this week and as it stands the British harvest is due to begin a week early on 10 June.
“Spring has gone well, it’s been one of the best springs we’ve had,” said Francis, who added that while plants have managed to hold onto some moisture, rain would be welcome.
The Environment Agency recently issued a medium risk warning for drought across the UK this summer, after only half the amount of expected rain fell during April. Growers have been urged to put in water preservation methods now, while in better news, some light rain is forecast for parts of the UK over the upcoming weekend.
“If it doesn’t rain again, pea yields will be lower. The plants aren’t as tall, which tells me they’re concentrating on flowers and pods,” continued Francis.
The industry campaign Yes Peas is gearing up to celebrate the season during Great British Pea Week in the first week of July, along with a planned drive through central London with a pea viner machine and representatives from the industry, during the Lord Mayor’s Show in November.
Francis, who is also chairman of the Yes Peas campaign, said the event is designed to show people where their food comes from and “put a smile on people’s faces”.
In Cornwall, managing director of brassica grower Southern England Farms (SEF), Greville Richards said the broccoli harvest will begin three weeks early.
“A warm spring has enabled Southern England Farms to start harvesting Cornish broccoli three weeks earlier than usual,” he said.
SEF will mark the start of the season with its customer Tesco, which it will begin supplying this weekend, Richards said.
“One of the primary advantages of an early harvest is the ability to meet consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce. As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability and freshness, having Cornish broccoli available earlier than usual provides a competitive edge,” he said.
An early season can help generate anticipation for new-season British-grown vegetables, said Richards, pointing to the potential to displace imports.
“By stocking early-harvest Cornish broccoli, Tesco demonstrates a commitment to Southern England Farms and promotes a sense of community among shoppers. This partnership can foster consumer loyalty, encouraging shoppers to choose British products over foreign imports,” he added.
