According to Rodger Hobson, chairman of the British Carrot Growers Association, the carrot ‘crisis’ is likely to continue for anything up to 11 months.
He says: “The UK is traditionally self-sufficient in carrots with around 97 per cent being supplied by British growers. In fact, the British carrot growing industry is respected worldwide for its ability to produce ‘fresh from the field’ carrots 52 weeks of the year. However, we have suffered the ‘perfect storm’ of poor conditions this year.
“Firstly, we had the ‘Beast from the East’ which produced excess rain throughout the spring, delaying planting by a month, and reducing the growing season by around 18 per cent. Then we have had the hottest summer since 1976. Carrots grow best at temperatures around 15 to 18 degrees C, this summer we’ve had daily averages of 25 to 32C and the carrots have just stopped growing and are wilting in the fields. This weather has hit all the major growing areas of Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Fife.”
Rodger points out that while some imports may be available, mainland Europe has also suffered from similar weather conditions and carrots are not plentiful there either.
The situation is compounded by Water Restrictions that are ‘turning off the tap’ on irrigation systems that are vital to the crop. The UK’s leading carrot agronomist, Howard Hinds (pictured below) says that he estimates that the crops he manages will yield 30 to 40 per cent less than last year.
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Rodger Hobson says: “I have spoken to all the major carrot growers this week and they unanimously agree that the poor yields will massively push up UK production costs and that substantial imports will 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 benefits they provide. However, it is almost inevitable that the price in the shops will go up.”
Pictured: Howard Hinds
