Farmers and agriculturists are telling consumers to expect less oddly-shrunken-looking vegetables and cheeses as British farms are hit by drought.
The National Drought Group, an advisory team from the Environment Agency (EA), declared drought on 12 August in 14 areas, including the southwest, parts of southern and central England, and eastern England.
“Consumers need to be a little more flexible, because potatoes may be a little smaller and onions a little smaller,” said Tom Bradshaw, vice president of the National Farmers Union. Telegraph.
“And it is still true that everyone needs to come together a little bit to accept that this is not the perfect time,” he added.
Bradshaw said supermarkets need to be flexible about what they accept and shoppers need to comply.
“And broccoli and cauliflower are currently being affected by growing conditions.
“Nothing is immune [by the heatwave] If it’s grown in fields that aren’t irrigated,” said Bradshaw.
“The Country File” host and Cotswold farmer Adam Henson told Times Radio that the dry environment means that herds of cattle cannot feed.
“We’re completely burned out in the heat wave and nothing. We’re starting to feed the cows with winter pasture, silage and hay,” Henson said.
Henson also warned that heat waves could affect dairy farmers.
“Obviously the cows aren’t producing as much milk because they aren’t eating enough,” he said.
“Some farmers, especially cheese contracts, are not meeting their quotas for producing milk.”
Harvey Bradshaw, EA’s Executive Director of Environment and Chairman of the National Drought Group, said: statement: “The current high temperatures we are experiencing are exacerbating pressures on wildlife and water environments.
“EA staff are doing an excellent job of responding to environmental impacts and working with water companies to ensure that drought plans are being followed,” Bradshaw said.
The government has emphasized working with farmers to get the water they need as a special area to address.
Water Minister Steve Double said in a press release: “All water companies have made it clear that it is their duty to ensure that essential supplies are still safe and to maintain those supplies. I made it.
The Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said, “We are working with farmers, businesses and other water users to manage water availability and provide the resources they need to remain resilient while maintaining environmental protection. We are making sure that we have enough water,” he said.
Measures taken include “operating water transfer schemes between different parts of the country to ensure that water reaches the areas worst affected by prolonged dry weather,” it said. it said.
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