It seems that in Norfolk, the financial risk associated with potato farming has increased, underscored by William Gribbon of Heygate Farms in Swaffham. The escalation is attributed to weather conditions and rising costs for fertilisers and chemicals. The region experienced over 41 inches of rainfall last year, leading to saturated farmlands. Gribbon highlighted a trend where growers are reducing their potato cultivation areas or are exiting the sector due to the amplified risk and cost. He pointed out the yearly increase in production costs, driven by significant rises in all aspects of potato growing.
Ryan Willoughby, a supply chain manager at Norfolk's Simply Roasted, noted the company's weekly procurement of approximately 20,000 tonnes of potatoes. With persistent high costs, the firm anticipates absorbing these expenses. Willoughby mentioned efforts to mitigate the impact through cost-saving measures, expressing empathy towards the challenges faced by potato growers, especially under poor yield and adverse weather conditions.
Source: bbc.com