Mon, 18 Aug 2025

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 Expect smaller broccoli if heatwave continues, farmers warn

The British Growers Association warns that supplies of broccoli are 'tight' thanks to the heatwave.

* UK farmers are experiencing one of their worst harvests due to ongoing heatwave and lack of rainfall.
* Broccoli yields have been reduced by over 50% with quality affected, leading to smaller vegetables on supermarket shelves.
* British Growers Association says supplies of brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) are tight but will be supplemented by better harvests in wetter areas.
* Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns that UK is on track for its sixth or seventh worst harvest since records began 40 years ago.
* Farmers in dry areas are facing substantial shortfalls with low river levels and poor soil moisture holding capacity.
* Shoppers may need to accept smaller vegetable sizes due to supply shortages if sustained rainfall does not come soon.
* The British Growers Association and National Farmers' Union say that while some areas have better harvests, others face significant drops in yields with financial implications for farmers.
* Experts warn of long-term impacts on agriculture and farmers due to repeated extreme weather events.
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