Arable Carrot shortage expected to increase imports L
ow carrot yields due to chal- lenging weather conditions this season are set to mean the highest level of imports for decades, according to the British Carrot Growers Association. The situation is compound-
ed by water restrictions that are ‘turning off the tap’ on irrigation systems vital to the crop. Carrot agronomist Howard Hinds esti- mates that some crops will see re- duced yields 30-40% lower than last year.
Association chairman Rodg- er Hobson said the carrot ‘crisis’ was likely to continue for any- thing up to 11 months – prompt- ing concern because the UK is tra- ditionally self-suffi cient in carrots with around 97% being supplied by British growers.
“The British carrot growing in- dustry is respected worldwide for its ability to produce ‘fresh from the fi eld’ carrots 52 weeks of the year,” said Mr Hobson. “Howev- er, we have suffered the ‘perfect
storm’ of poor conditions this year.”
A cold, wet spring delayed planting by a month – shorten- ing the growing season by around 18%. This was followed by hot summer weather with daily tem- peratures hitting 25-32ºC – caus- ing carrots to stop growing and wilt in the fi elds. Mr Hobson said: “This weather has hit all the major growing ar- eas of Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Lanca- shire and Fife.”
While some imports may be
available, mainland Europe has also suffered from similar weath- er conditions and carrots are not plentiful there either. This meant shipments may have to come from further afi eld, said Mr Hobson. He added: “I have spoken to all the major carrot growers this week and they unanimously agree that the poor yields will massive- ly push up UK production costs and that substantial imports will
Carrot yields are expected to be 30-40% lower than last year, says Howard Hinds.
be required this season. “Carrots are undoubtedly the
‘nation’s favourite vegetable’ and will still remain great value in
terms of the nutrition and health benefi ts they provide. However, it is almost inevitable that the price in the shops will go up.”
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