Fruit and vegetable aisles could remain empty until May as oversea supply is squeezed and British producers put off planting crops due to tighter margins, farmers are warning.
Higher energy costs in the UK, alongside a supermarket squeeze, have led to fewer crops being planted, according to the Lea Valley Growers Association.
Allied to cold weather in Spain and North Africa lowering yields this has led to shortages and prompted Tesco, Morrison’s, Aldi and Asda to limit the amount of fruit and veg customers can buy.
"Half of our growers didn't grow last year, and half of our growers are not growing this year,” said the secretary of the group, Lee Stiles, “that's because they couldn't secure an increased price from the supermarkets to cover the increased cost of energy and fertiliser”.
"It's too late for UK growers to step in and try and make up some of the shortfalls," he added.
Lea Valley Growers discuss Salad shortages with the BBC. Watch the full programme here ????https://t.co/QK7ocgzmK5 #NFU23 #Backbritishfarming #Brexitfoodshortages #BrexitFoodRationing #Essex #Leavalley #Food @theresecoffey @Mark_Spencer @halfon4harlowMP pic.twitter.com/P5Z2b8Bku9
— Lea Valley Growers ???????? ???????? (@LeaValleyGrower) February 23, 2023
Environment secretary Therese Coffey reassured supply issues could be solved in “two to four weeks,” but added shoppers should “cherish the specialisms,” picking seasonal items rather than lettuce, tomatoes and other imported goods.
Stiles added overseas suppliers were simply diverting produce to Europe for “less hassle,” avoiding higher transport costs and the “additional fees to get it through the border”.