It’s a similar story of falling crop yields near Selby, where farmer Richard Bramley would like the government to provide interest-free loans to farmers so they can invest.
“We think our potatoes will be 20 to 25% down,” he says.
“We have to generate the income not just to live, but to produce the following year’s crop. That’s the dilemma so many farmers find themselves in a the moment.
“Off the back of two, maybe three really bad years, the resilience in the farming industry is starting to break down. I think we certainly have a problem, quite when it will really manifest itself I am not entirely sure.”
A statement from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed the issue is on Andy Burnham’s desk.
“Food security is national security and one of the Prime Minister’s first visits was meeting farmers hit by drought and dry weather, announcing a £65m package.”
It added: “We’re going further to address the risks of climate change and nature loss – including a new taskforce to strengthen climate security.”
Scott Walker, chief executive of growers’ association GB Potatoes, said shoppers should expect fewer large varieties of potato on the shelves this year.
“The prolonged hot and dry weather placed significant pressure on the British crop and has restricted the growth of potatoes. With harvesting still under way, we will not know the full impact until the crop has been lifted, but as well as fewer potatoes there will be fewer large potatoes this year.
“Consumers are likely to notice this most with baking potatoes, where the sizes available will be smaller than usual.
“The supply chain is extremely good at making the best use of the crop that is available, so consumers will continue to find good quality potatoes and potato products that are good value for money.”
