The British Onion Producers Association is reporting a positive start to the 2019 season. Following on from the challenging growing season in 2018 and the resulting poor yields, stocks of UK onions are at very low levels. The industry is bridging the gap to the new season by importing onions from countries such as New Zealand, Egypt and Chile. As a result, consumers will see more imported product on the shelves in the coming months until the new season kicks off in late July/August.
The new growing season has started well with better planting conditions than last year when growers had to contend with the Beast from the East at the start of the season followed by record breaking temperatures and minimal rainfall during the critical growing period. However, the dry conditions over the last 12 months remain a concern for growers. Ground water levels are well below average for this time of year due to the extra dry spell last summer and a relatively dry winter.
Tim Elcombe, Chair of the British Onion Producers Association said “we need to return to a more settled weather pattern for the 2019 season. Another hot dry summer will undoubtedly put crops under pressure again.”
For more information:
Debbie Stacey
British Onions
Tel: +44 5107 353788
www.britishonions.co.uk