Worst growing conditions for crops in three decades, farmers warn

Warnings are already being issued about reduced yield levels after the unseasonal weather, raising the possibility of less British fruit and vegetables being offered for sale in the coming months.

After having to be planted late they were spurred to grow early by warm temperatures before being unsettled further by the wet weather seen since April. As a result, crops of fruit and vegetables are now several weeks behind, with many farmers across the region having to replant vegetables.

Graham Ward, who farms at Sancton, near Market Weighton in East Yorkshire, said: “The potatoes in particular are suffering. Wherever there is a dip in the field there is water gathering, which makes them rot. I think a lot of potato growers are having a significantly difficult time. Of course this will affect yields.

“I do not think cereal growers will be having any significant problems as yet but, on the whole, we are in some rather serious bother.”

The lack of sunshine is causing problems for all crops, and Mr Ward said that in many places the ground was so saturated even harvesting may prove difficult.

Harrogate grower Mike Prest also reported difficulties for the region’s fruit and vegetable producers. “Even in glasshouses and under polytunnels, crops are struggling with so little warmth and light – not surprising when you hear the light levels in June were comparable with what we normally have in February.”

Tough economic conditions have also taken their toll and for the first time ever it has not been possible to source Yorkshire peppers. “We are really hoping this is a temporary glitch and that we will have at least one producer growing peppers next year,” said Mr Prest.

However, the bad weather will not derail plans for a Jubilee display of Yorkshire produce at the Great Yorkshire Show, which begins tomorrow.

The team of growers involved say conditions have been a “waking nightmare” but that everyone has pulled together with a bit of Dunkirk spirit and the display is now back on track.