Things have not been easy for vegetable growers this year with unseasonable weather combined with extra worries and costs associated with COVID-19.
Back in June English carrot grower Freshgro was having to import Spanish carrots to fill orders, the first time they’d had to do this in two years.
This year’s early crop did not go well either as they were struggling with yields. “We’ve not had enough to make it worth our while,” explained Alan Hunt from the company. “It has been a tough few months as the crops didn’t establish. It has been the same for everyone.”
Freshgro had to continue to import to fill orders for much longer than they’d wanted. They even had to turn down a few spot orders.
“The COVID-19 situation did not help either as there were extra costs involved in the social distancing measures and erection of screens in the packhouse to ensure our workers were kept safe. Most of our workers are back now, some having been on furlough, these are our long-term staff.”
The yields have picked up in last couple of weeks and Alan is more positive now.
“The crops have started to grow and will recover, but the future remains uncertain.”
For more information:
Alan Hunt
Freshgro
Tel: +44 1623 870 803
Email: adhunt@freshgro.co.uk
www.freshgro.co.uk