Indian Summer too late to save 2012 British Pea crop

The washout summer of 2012 means that British pea growers’ herculean efforts have yielded only 55% of the expected harvest. Like many crops around the globe, British peas have not escaped the climate extremities that have been a constant this year. Growers up and down the country have worked round the clock, battling against soaking, cold and dark weather conditions, to harvest the peas.

British shoppers normally enjoy 150 million kilos of frozen peas every year worth over £200m at retail prices. Over 90% of these are grown in the UK. Now that the harvest is complete in England, and nearing completion in Scotland, it is clear that peas will be in short supply until new season crop arrives in next summer. Growers and processors will work tirelessly to ensure, however, that quality and value are achieved for our consumers.

James Hallett, British Growers CEO says, “British pea growers have invested millions of pounds in sophisticated planting and harvest technology and equipment to deliver a great product. The unprecedented combination of unseasonably high rainfall and minimal sunshine in the key growing months of May, June and July means that the great British weather has proven insurmountable this season with tracked harvest machines struggling to cope with swamp-like fields.”

The British pea growers turn now to preparations for next season and, Hallett believes, they will not be bowed. “Lessons will be learned and the ingenuity for which UK growers and farmers are famed will be applied to make 2013 a much better year.”

For more information:
James Hallet
British Growers
0044 1507 602427