The British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA) is confronting challenges as squeezed profits lead to a reduction in carrot cultivation. To combat this, BCGA is initiating a campaign to protect carrot growers' future, highlighted by the National Carrot Awareness Day scheduled for October 3, 2024. This event aims to inspire the public to engage with carrots through purchase, culinary creativity, and cooking. Rodger Hobson, chair of BCGA and a carrot farmer from York, emphasized the difficulties faced by UK carrot growers, including disease susceptibility, high input costs, and low output values, which complicate achieving a viable return.
In response to these challenges, the BCGA and leading UK carrot producers are innovating with new management techniques and variety trials to ensure the crop's survival, given its year-round harvest and the production of 700,000t annually. Despite the tight margins, Hobson advocates for the carrot's value, nutritional benefits, and versatility, noting its exceptional value for money. The UK's adaptation of an International Carrot Day, distinct from the U.S. version celebrated on April 4, features events hosted by one of the top five UK carrot growers, focusing on new varieties and sector future discussions.
Source: agriland.co.uk