It is planting time in the UK but the months of heavy rain have seriously hampered the process and many growers are far behind where they should be, this goes for most crops be it brassicas, onions, potatoes, root and salad crops. It does however, vary depending on where you are in the country.
"Some farmers are making reasonable progress," said Jack Ward CEO of British Growers Association. "I spoke to an onion grower who was almost done drilling, but for example the vining pea growers are well behind with their drilling programmes. It also depends on the type of soil; light soils will drain faster than heavy clays."
In general, the season is late and although it is drier its still cold, growers are also fearful of frost, especially those with salad crop about to be harvested.
"With so much delay and the problems with ground conditions it is inevitable that there will be delays in getting product to market especially in the early part of the season."
If we see a shortage in the UK this will lead to more imports, but where from? Spain has had a difficult season, parsnips are very short and carrots are in short supply.
Will we see the same empty shelves that we saw last year?
"Each and every day people involved in the supply chain are scouring the world looking for supply, there so much involved in getting produce here. Last year's empty shelves were a big shock, and a wakeup call for the retailers who want continuity of supply. I think lessons have been learned. That said where we are heading is not good, there has been too much strain put on the UK supply chain."
It is also becoming increasingly difficult to get product into the UK, will people still want to deal with exceptionally tough retail environment that operates in the UK? Also when the new import charges and checks come in at the end of the month it will be even less attractive.
For more information:
Jack Ward
British Growers Association
[email protected]
www.britishgrowers.org