Key facts
- Hotter and drier summers are reducing the size of British potatoes.
- Farmers are facing increased costs and reduced yields, leading to lower enthusiasm for growing potatoes.
- Some farmers are considering leaving the potato industry due to climate change impacts.
- Consumers may notice fewer large potatoes, particularly baking varieties, on shelves.
- The government has announced a £65 million package to support farmers affected by drought.
Hotter and drier summers are significantly impacting the size and yield of British potatoes, leading some farmers to consider exiting the industry. Tim Rooke, a farmer near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, reported that his crop has many more smaller potatoes than usual, with some falling through graders because they are too small. He was forced to harvest early due to a prolonged dry spell, which prevented the potatoes from reaching their desired size.
Rooke explained that potatoes require about 200ml of rain, but his crop received only 35ml this year, coupled with high temperatures. Potatoes do not grow larger above 28°C, and his farm experienced 40 days above this threshold. "There will be fewer potatoes grown going forward. They are a very expensive crop to grow," Rooke stated, expressing a lack of enthusiasm for the expense given the repeated impact of climate change.
Similar issues are reported near Selby, where farmer Richard Bramley anticipates a 20-25% reduction in his potato yields. He highlighted the dilemma farmers face in generating income to produce the following year's crop, noting that the resilience in the farming industry is breaking down after two or three bad years.
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) acknowledged the problem, stating that food security is national security and that the Prime Minister has met with farmers affected by drought. DEFRA announced a £65 million package and a new taskforce to address climate change risks.
Scott Walker, chief executive of GB Potatoes, advised shoppers to expect fewer large potato varieties this year. He noted that the prolonged hot and dry weather put significant pressure on the British crop, restricting growth. While the full impact won't be known until harvesting is complete, Walker anticipates fewer and smaller potatoes, particularly affecting baking varieties. He assured that the supply chain would still provide good quality and value potato products.
Farmers like Rooke are calling for changes to planning laws to make it easier to build and run water storage lagoons to capture winter rain for summer use. Rooke emphasized the need to adapt to the changing weather patterns, warning that without changes, many potato farmers may cease to exist in the country.