Food shortages: British leek supplies ‘exhausted by April’ in latest warning | Climate News

Leeks were one of many crops to fall victim to climate change-induced drought in Britain last year, while bad weather abroad has disrupted usual winter imports of items like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Remaining stocks of UK-grown spills will be gone by April, growers warn, compounding shortages of other fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

The “toughest season ever” was attributed to high temperatures and a lack of rain, followed by a cold spell.

It comes in the same week of the National Farmers’ Union warned on Sky News of the danger of “rationing”recently Supermarkets began restricting the sale of tomatoes and other vegetables as both a lack of imports and high energy costs hit UK harvests.

Meanwhile, a grain farmer warned of that The same problems from energy prices were brewing for other cultures.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said on Thursday that we should appreciate British produce, maybe turnips too, although it added that “consumers want year-round choice”.

But some local, seasonal vegetables are becoming harder to come by as the Leek Growers Association said buyers will have to rely on overseas-grown alliums through May and June.

They warn that on St David’s Day on March 1, some people may even have to forego the leeks traditionally grown in Britain and instead rely on imported leeks to make traditional dishes like Welsh Cawl, leek and potato soup or a Wrexham -Prepare casserole.

“Leek growers are facing their toughest season ever due to challenging weather conditions,” said Tim Casey, Chairman of the Leek Growers Association.

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“Our members see returns dropping between 15% and 30%.

“We expect the supply of domestic leeks to be exhausted by April as there will be no UK leeks in stores in May and June and consumers will be reliant on imported crops.”

Leeks are usually sown in spring and harvested from early autumn to late winter.

Much of England and Wales suffered a prolonged drought in record heat last summer. made 20 times more likely by climate changeaccording to scientists.

East Anglia, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain in drought status.

A “double whammy” that damages crops

Andrew Blenkiron, a root vegetable farmer in Suffolk, said he plans to reduce the size of his crop by 300 acres this season if it were hotter and drier like last year.

Leeks are used to celebrate the Welsh National Day to commemorate a battle in AD 640 when King Cadwallader defeated the invading Saxons in a battle in which the Welsh army distinguished themselves by wearing leeks on their helmets.

The National Drought Group said the country is just one hot dry spell away from droughts in more areas.

“We dare not take the risk of growing these crops that require large amounts of water throughout the summer if we cannot guarantee that supply,” Mr Blenkiron said.

“So we had to withdraw. And I would suggest that’s pretty common across East Anglia.”

Additional irrigation during last year’s heat “has depleted our reservoir supplies and … significantly increased costs,” just as electricity prices have soared amid the energy crisis, he added.

“So it was a real double whammy.”

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