UK: Asparagus delayed by harsh Winter
The valuable crop is at least three to four weeks late across the county’s farms.
Asparagus grower Yulian Korkinski, 39, from Millets Farm, Frilford, near Abingdon, said it might raise the price of one of the county’s best-loved vegetables.
He said: “It is worrying. They are moving very slowly. The nights are just too cold for them and during the day it is not the right temperature either.
“Last year we were working in the fields in shirts and shorts but not now, it is far too cold.
“We dug into the ground a week ago to see how they were doing and they were not growing well, and the forecast is not good for the next few days and weeks either, especially with snow due.
“It is an important crop. It is very valuable for the farm shop and the farmers’ markets. Asparagus sells for about £8 per kilo but this year it could be even more expensive, more like £10 per kilo. We will have to see.”
Mr Korkinski grows about an acres worth of asparagus but says the yield should not drop, it will just be late.
Source: oxfordtimes.co.uk
