Broccoli Crop Struggles with Heatwave and Drought

Challenges Facing UK Farmers Amid Ongoing Heatwave

Farmers in the driest regions of the United Kingdom are experiencing some of their most difficult harvests in recent memory as an extended heatwave continues to impact crop and vegetable production. The extreme weather conditions have led to significant declines in yields, with broccoli growers being particularly affected due to water shortages and extremely dry soil. In some cases, yields have dropped by over 50%, while the quality of the produce has also been compromised. As a result, consumers may soon notice smaller vegetables on supermarket shelves.

One farmer from Herefordshire shared concerns about potential supply shortages if the lack of rainfall persists. According to the British Growers Association, supplies of brassicas—such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage—are currently tight. However, better harvests in wetter parts of the UK are expected to help maintain the availability of these vegetables in supermarkets.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), an independent think tank, warns that the UK could face its sixth or seventh worst harvest since records began 40 years ago. While the overall harvest situation varies across the country, certain areas with little rainfall and low river levels are struggling more than others. These regions often grow crops in lighter, drier soils that do not retain moisture well, leading to substantial shortfalls.

Ben Andrews, who operates a mixed organic farm near Leominster, Herefordshire, emphasized that shoppers will need to adjust their expectations regarding the size and shape of vegetables available in supermarkets. He also pointed out that the heat is making it difficult to grow brassicas abroad, which could lead to further shortages.

"You'll be looking at maybe not quite as much availability and maybe needing to accept smaller heads of broccoli or lettuce or cabbage," he said. "I'm not sure quite about shelves being empty, but if this continues it's not completely impossible."

The British Growers Association (BGA) acknowledged that this summer has presented yet another climatic challenge for farmers. Although some suppliers are experiencing shortfalls, other producers are compensating by growing more crops in areas with cooler temperatures and higher rainfall.

Jack Ward, the BGA’s chief executive, noted that supplies of summer brassicas, cauliflowers, and cabbages are tight. Root crops like carrots and onions have been sustained through irrigation, but there are serious concerns about water supplies if the dry weather continues. At this stage, the BGA remains confident that crops will still be available, but the unpredictable weather over the past three months highlights growing uncertainty around food supplies.

Drought Impacts on Cereal and Livestock Production

Arable farmer Martin Williams, who also serves as chairman of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Herefordshire branch, reported a 50% drop in his cereal yield, with only a third of the normal potato crop expected and a 70% decrease in grass grown for feed. He described the conditions as “absolutely, devastatingly dry” and is now reevaluating what and how he will farm in the future.

“Going forward, it makes me wonder about the viability of growing cereal commodity crops,” he said. “It is a risk-based job, but if I can manage my risk down by not growing those risky crops, then maybe that's something I should look at.”

A Highly Varied Harvest

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) stated that the extreme weather conditions this year have been “unprecedented,” resulting in a “hugely varied” overall harvest picture. Jamie Burrows, chairman of the NFU's crops board, noted that farmers in areas with sufficient rainfall are seeing “better-than-expected” yields, while others are facing significant drops that could have substantial financial impacts on their businesses.

Tom Lancaster, head of land, food, and farming at the ECIU, highlighted that consecutive years of extreme weather, both wet and dry, are taking a toll on farmers. He warned that this year’s challenges should not be viewed in isolation, as they follow the second-worst harvest last year and the worst on record in 2020.

“I don't think we should look at this year just in isolation. This is part of a pattern, coming off the back of the second worst harvest last year and the worst harvest on record in 2020. It's that pattern we need to be concerned about because, as these impacts on agriculture and on farmers start to stack up, farmers will just effectively stop farming.”