Senior UK Farmer's Union member warns of impact of cold snap on fruit
Alison Capper, chairman of the National Farmers’ Union horticulture board, who grows in Worcestershire, told the Guardian that fruit farmers were playing a waiting game after last month’s Arctic blast damaged fruit blossom at a crucial stage of development.
Miss Capper told the paper: “There’s damage to both top and stone fruit, which includes apples, pears, plums and cherries,” she said.
“But it’s difficult to know what this means until we see the fruit sets, which is the point when it becomes clear how much fruit has stayed on the trees. However, I think there is enough evidence there will be less English fruit this year.”
“The biggest concern is outdoor fruit production – such as apple and pear orchards, and blackcurrants. Production is ahead of schedule in many parts of the country, which means trees are in full flower and very vulnerable to night frosts. A severe frost could significantly impact British fruit production.”
source: farminguk.com
