"2020 will go down as one of the more challenging growing seasons with one of the wettest winters followed by a very warm and dry spring," said Stephen Hedderly from Bedfordshire Growers. "Temperatures in June and July soared to record levels leaving the onion crop looking incredibly variable. Luckily, the weather has been generally kind through harvest and with now the majority of crop inside the recovery in the onion quality and yield has generally been positive."
Stephen does however have slight concerns about the challenges due to high soil temperatures with specific emphasis on fusarium and Pink root which will need to be monitored closely through the storage period.
"Obviously, the challenges around Covid 19 gave us some incredibly high demand at the first lock down. Sales recovered to more sensible levels into May & June and have remained stable since. We will have to wait and see what restrictions are put in place during the winter months to control the virus and the impact that will have on demand."
For more information:
Stephen Hedderly
Bedfordshire Growers
Tel: +44 1767 319224
Email: stephen.hedderly@bedgrow.co.uk