Summer heatwaves place carrots and other root veg under pressure amid soaring irrigation costs
UK carrot growers are facing significant yield losses and sharply higher production costs following repeated heatwaves and prolonged dry weather this summer, according to the British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA).
The association estimated that carrot yields are likely to be between 15 to 30 per cent below expectations this season, with growers also facing higher costs for irrigation, seed, labour, fuel and crop management.
Guy Poskitt, managing director of family-owned root vegetable producer M H Poskitt, said his carrot crop was facing a 15 to 25 per cent reduction in yield, with inconsistent growth leaving many carrots misshapen.
“The crop really does not perform well over about 25 degrees, so we’ve lost a lot of growing days where the crop has basically shut down,” he said.
Rodger Hobson, chair of the BCGA, said the heat experienced in May and June had hit crops at a particularly vulnerable stage.
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult growing season for many UK carrot producers. The heat in May and June hit crops just as they were germinating, meaning some growers had to re-drill significant areas at considerable cost. These crops are already at a disadvantage because the later establishment inevitably affects yield.
“The real concern is that growers have spent considerably more money producing considerably less crop. Additional seed, irrigation, diesel, labour and crop management costs all have to be absorbed by businesses already operating on very tight margins,” he continued.
Crops have been particularly badly affected in areas where access to irrigation water has been restricted or supplies have been exhausted.
Where water has been available, growers have had to irrigate more frequently, adding significantly to production costs. Poskit described the costs as “phenomenal”.
“We are possibly £300 or £400 per acre over budget on irrigation. A lot of places have actually run out of water,” he said.
He added that the Environment Agency had imposed hands-off flow (HoF) conditions in some areas, preventing growers from abstracting water when river flows fell below specified levels.
The impact of the weather has also been felt across other root crops. Some parsnip growers have reported yields 25-60 per cent below expectations, depending on soil type and location.
Hobson added: “There may be individual crops and areas that have performed better, but we need to be clear about the wider picture. For many growers this has been a very challenging and expensive season.”
Alongside weather-related costs, Poskitt highlighted continuing pressures from fuel, labour and machinery costs. “The availability of skilled labour in the sector is really difficult,” Poskitt added. “It’s unsociable hours, weekend work, this is a massive challenge.”
The BCGA called for recognition of the pressures facing growers across the supply chain, particularly from retailers.
Hobson said: “British carrot production has to remain sustainable for the long term. If growers are continually expected to absorb rising costs and the financial impact of increasingly volatile weather, then viability of the sector may be in question.”
