UK carrot growers face 15-30% yield losses after exceptionally dry season

The Association estimates that carrot yields are likely to be 15–30% below expectations this season, with some crops particularly badly affected where access to irrigation water has been restricted or exhausted.

Early heatwaves during May and June caused serious establishment problems, killing newly germinated carrots in some areas and forcing growers to re-drill fields. As well as the additional cost of seed and field operations, crops planted later in the season are unlikely to achieve the yields originally anticipated.

Subsequent periods of extreme heat and drought have compounded the problem, with growers irrigating crops more frequently than ever before in an effort to protect yields and quality. This has brought substantially higher costs for water, labour, fuel and machinery.

Rodger Hobson, Chair of the British Carrot Growers Association, said:

“This has been an extraordinarily difficult growing season for many UK carrot producers. The heat in May and June hit crops just as they were germinating, meaning some growers had to re-drill significant areas at considerable cost. These crops are already at a disadvantage because the later establishment inevitably affects yield.

“Since then, the continuing heat and lack of rainfall have meant we have had to irrigate more than ever before. Irrigation is extremely expensive, and where water has run out or abstraction has been restricted, some crops have been severely compromised.

“We estimate carrot yields will be down by between 15% and 30%. The real concern is that growers have spent considerably more money producing considerably less crop. Additional seed, irrigation, diesel, labour and crop management costs all have to be absorbed by businesses already operating on very tight margins.”

The challenges extend across the wider root vegetable sector, with some parsnip growers reporting yields 25–60% below expectations, depending on soil type and location.

Alongside reduced yields, growers are facing increased costs for re-drilling, irrigation, fuel, straw and additional crop management. These exceptional costs are putting further pressure on farm cash flow and profitability.

Rodger added:

“There may be individual crops and areas that have performed better, but we need to be clear about the wider picture. For many growers this has been a very challenging and expensive season.

“We need recognition throughout the supply chain, and particularly from retailers, of the exceptional pressures growers have faced. British carrot production has to remain sustainable for the long term if growers are continually expected to absorb rising costs and the financial impact of increasingly volatile weather, then viability of the sector may be in question.”