Crop Update

Much of the UK’s farming land was unpassable with machinery from mid-October to mid-April and the adverse weather conditions experienced this year in the UK have severely impacted farms, leading to challenges in harvesting and planting new season crops due to widespread flooding. Farmers are facing a crisis as they continue to struggle with the conditions. Ken thinks it’s one of the worst years he’s seen since Heritage started.

Delayed spring plantings in late April can have a significant impact on crops which will shorten the season. The inability to plant crops not only affects current yields but also has long-term implications on the sustainability of farms. Farmers desperately need some consistent weather with sunshine. The issues we continue to see unfortunately will no doubt mean importing in more stock from Europe than we usually would.

Worldwide

Climate change is significantly impacting agriculture worldwide as well. This includes diminishing crop yields, rising dependence on irrigation systems, the proliferation of pests, and the occurrence of more frequent and severe extreme weather events. These changes are putting immense pressure on farmers and threatening food security globally. For instance, in certain regions, crop yields have dropped by as much as 20% due to changing climate patterns. The need for increased irrigation to compensate for water scarcity caused by climate change is becoming more urgent. The spread of pests, such as locust swarms, is also on the rise, leading to devastating losses for farmers. Moreover, extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and hurricanes are becoming more common, disrupting agricultural activities and causing economic hardships for farming communities. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable farming practices, innovative technologies, and global cooperation.

Aubergines

The volume continues to decrease in Spain although the quality for what is left is holding well, however Holland has already started and will keep increasing but we are still far from being under stream.

Courgettes

The availability from Spain has been decreasing over the past couple of weeks and as a result the prices have been also increasing. Also, due to weather there are now more large sizes the medium to small. The quality is good.

Eggplant or aubergine vegetable isolated on white background cut

Cucumbers

Limited volume of fresh produce from Spain and the UK is currently experiencing fluctuations due to seasonal changes and plants currently being replanted. This has resulted in a gradual increase in prices, although the quality remains consistently high

Peppers

There is very limited volume coming out of Spain and Morocco, the quality is also deteriorating. UK and Holland local production is currently short in supply following lack of light levels of previous weeks. Currently expensive across all colours due to short supply and demand, in particular red and yellow more than green. The quality is generally ok although the smaller sizes lack condition and still have thin walls.

Sweet Pointed / Ramiro Peppers:

The Spanish season is winding down with limited volume and quality. Customers are shifting to UK and Dutch produce. Prices remain high.

Padron, Habanero & Chillies Peppers:

Prices for Padron peppers are soaring due to limited supply, while prices for Habanero and chillies remain stable.

Tomatoes

Standard loose round tomatoes

Production from Spain and Morocco has ended with increased availability from Holland and the UK (including full range from the Isle of Wight). Good quality and prices have been easing back from previous weeks with no changes expected next week.

Beef tomatoes

Steady availability (but not quite sufficient yet to meet demand) from Belgium and Holland with good quality crops. Prices expected to remain stable through to next week.

Plum tomatoes

Crops from Spain & Morocco still good quality, while Holland & Belgium see increased volume week on week. Prices have eased back slightly with more availability.

Vine tomatoes

Stable production, prices dropping due to good yield in Holland, Belgium, and UK. Quality remains high

Cherry On the Vine and Cocktail Tomatoes

Spain and Morocco production still strong with great flavour and quality, Holland, Belgium and UK are now increasing yield. Competitive prices expected to continue

Intense Plum Tomatoes

With production ending in Spain and Morocco, Holland and Belgium production is on the rise, but limited supply keeps prices high. Expect increasing volumes towards the end of the month..

Heritage / Inca Tomatoes:

Products from Spain continue to maintain high quality across all varieties. Prices remain stable.

Cherry & Baby Plum Tomatoes:

Crops are slowing down after a high yield month, impacting volume (more evident on the baby plum followed by cherry). Prices may rise soon. Quality is good overall.

Broccoli:

The availability in Spain is decreasing, leading to price increases. Local UK production is key to stabilising prices. This is likely to be for at least this month and the early part of next month depending on how quickly local UK can become available.

Tenderstem Broccoli.

Limited volume in Spain, prices remain strong until UK supply kicks in.

Celery:

The transition from spring to summer crops will cause prices to rise in about a week.

Cauliflower:

Limited availability persists in the UK due to inconsistent weather and decreasing imports. Prices remain high.

Sweet Potatoes:

No changes as there are steady demand and prices continue stable at the same levels with good availability coming from the USA and very good quality.

Potatoes:

The situation remains the same with steady volume on offer depending also on the different varieties and purposes. There is also some mixed quality still in the market. The prices will continue at the same levels and perhaps increase on the newest in season demanded varieties.

Leeks:

There is steady availability while the quality has been a little better, although growers are still having a large percentage of class 2. There is some early Spanish production now becoming available although this is limited and will only come under stream towards next month.

Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce, Little Gem, and Cos Lettuce:

UK and Dutch products are becoming available. Decent warm temperatures and good light levels would help production to improve next week. The prices for Spanish products will remain strong this week due to limited supply.

Lollo Rosso, Red Oak Leaf, Batavia and Frisse:

The Spanish season has finished and like the rest of the lettuces open field crops are limited.

The prices are very high due to such limited volume available.

Savoy Cabbage:

No changes, limited volume and prices remain high. The Spanish have little availability left but what is coming through is holding good quality. We expect prices to remain strong and at current levels all this week.

Spring Green Cabbage:

No changes, there is still limited supply on spring green right now and as a result prices have been escalating rather quickly. This situation will continue at least for another week.

Oranges:

The situation is starting to change as less volume will now be expected in the coming weeks from all sources such as Spain, Morocco and even Egypt. Prices will start slowly increasing from now on.

Lemons:

Limited volume of Primafiori left in Spain although decent quality and with Verna underway which has good quality and characteristics. Meanwhile, the first consignments from Argentina are now underway.

Strawberries:

UK New Forest strawberries are available. Holland and Belgium are now also increasing volume week on week and prices have as a result eased back slightly.