Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO), the UK’s largest supermarket, has told its farmers to plant more crops for this year over fears that climate change is leading to weaker harvests which in turn have resulted in empty shelves and grocery shortages.
New agreements have been negotiated with major onion and carrot suppliers to counter the challenges, with Tesco revising its growth per hectare forecasts, prompting the supermarket to encourage suppliers to plant additional fields to maintain output levels, reports from the Telegraph revealed.
Climate change-induced weather fluctuations are anticipated to escalate going forward, making consistent crop yields difficult for British farmers, a problem for UK supermarkets which pride themselves in sourcing as much produce locally as possible.
Recent supply issues faced by supermarkets, like scarcity of strawberries and artichokes, have been attributed to sudden heat and frosty spells, with the National Farmers Union emphasising how the shift in climates is “one of the biggest threats to food production”.
Supermarkets have even felt the effects of climate change abroad, with shortages of tomatoes and peppers occurring earlier this year after bad weather weakened yields in Spain and Morocco.
Tesco’s new contracts include clauses ensuring surplus vegetables don’t go to waste; if farmers yield more than expected, the retailer has promised to absorb the excess.
Tom Mackintosh, director of fresh produce and horticulture at Tesco, said: “Supporting British farmers, growers and suppliers is vital in safeguarding the future of the food industry in the UK.
“We’re providing immediate support in the wake of recent inflationary challenges, as well as supporting suppliers, farmers and growers in tackling more long-term challenges such as climate change and nature loss.”