Latest news with #British-grown
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Pea shortage fears over earliest harvest in 14 years
Farmers fear there will be a shortage of British-grown peas in supermarket freezers after long spells of sunshine and dry weather resulted in the earliest harvest in 14 to the National Farmers' Union (NFU), vining pea growers across Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and East Yorkshire have seen up to a 30% drop in the number of peas picked and processed this pea grower in Louth said he believed the drop in yield "could result in shortages".According to the Met Office, England had its driest spring in more than 100 years, followed by its warmest June on record. Some areas experienced three heatwaves in quick succession in June and July, with the intense warmth drawing more moisture out of the Moreton, a regional NFU chair in Lincolnshire, said crops had been "drying out and dying because of the extreme heat and the lack of moisture"."The east coast is your primary vining pea land. It's all good, well drained land that peas like to grow on. But it's not looking good at the moment. I've never known the viners go out so early. I really haven't."The British peas will be in short supply this year but, unless the rain does something really amazing or unless there's a really good end to the season, we are going to look at shortages." Ian Watson is an operations manager for a pea grower in Louth called Stemgold Peas which works with more than 3,500 farms across Lincolnshire. They usually produce about 6,000 tonnes of peas a year, of which 5,000 are sold frozen while the remainder are said their harvesting period would normally begin in the middle of June and continue until the end of August, but this year the harvest started on 4 June "which is incredibly early". "We've seen challenges right from the start of the season whereby soils have been very dry, very hard, very difficult to work," said Mr Watson. "We're seeing very, very thin crops. They're not going to yield." Mr Watson said the crops were so stressed by the weather, the number of peas in a pod had dropped by more than half, from up to 10 to "two big round peas and the rest have shrivelled up and died"."In some instances, we're going to actually lose crops," he said. "It's not just here. They're finding the same further south into Norfolk and east Suffolk. They're having an even worse time than we are."Mr Watson said the recent rainfall was "too little, too late" and feared a "shortage of UK-grown peas". Tom Screeton works as a senior agriculture fieldsman at Birds Eye looking after pea fields in East Yorkshire. The company works with more than 250 growers who usually harvest about 35,000 tonnes of peas a year in said the drought meant the peas were maturing at a faster rate than they were able to be harvested."We have a two-and-a-half-hour window to get these peas from being picked fresh in the field to being frozen at the end of the line in the factory. That process involves the harvesting, then haulage into the factory from up to 40 miles (64km) away, and then freezing when it gets to Hull. "So the fact that whole process has moved so much more quickly has been quite a challenge." Michelle Lawrie is a quality manager at Birds Eye, checking the condition of the harvested produce. A pea taster, she samples about 32 plates of peas on a daily basis during the season."The sweetness depends on the weather. This year in particular we've had a lot of sun so the peas are very, very sweet this year - exceptionally so."Mr Screeton said the firm was looking at ways to mitigate challenges brought on by the fluctuating extreme weather. Last year, the wet spring meant farmers struggled to plant crops in time and resulted in a longer harvest with peas not maturing."I think going forward we can work on building more robust varieties as part of our breeding programme with more drought tolerant and stress resistant varieties."That's an ongoing process, but fundamentally with mother nature we're at the mercy of the elements and we just have to manage it as best we can." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Eight in 10 Brits are on mission to buy more British fruit and veg, research shows
A poll of 2,000 adults found Brits are in agreement that supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce and said it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop Eight out of 10 shoppers are on a mission to fill their baskets with more homegrown fruit and veg, research reveals. A poll of 2,000 adults found Brits are in agreement that supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce and said it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Two-thirds of shoppers are keen to bolster support for British farmers, while nearly half recognise this as a step towards reducing the UK's reliance on imports. Two thirds want to be more knowledgeable about where their food shop is coming from, as currently only six percent can know where their food is grown. The research was commissioned by vertical farming company GrowUpFarms, and its brand Unbeleafable. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically and horizontally stacked layers. GrowUpFarms offers salad leaves grown in the UK without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions. Will Howard, UK MD and CCO of the vertical farming enterprise, commented: "It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce." He added: "There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. But there is still a lot more to be done. "Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. "We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing." Overall, three-quarters would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. Moreover, two-thirds of the population are keen to back British agriculture, even if it means digging deeper into their pockets. The poll reveals that consumers are prepared to shell out an additional £32 monthly on their groceries by choosing locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the survey, carried out through OnePoll, indicates that over two-thirds are willing to pay a premium for salad leaves cultivated in the UK. Will Howard of GrowUp Farms, whose Unbeleafable products grace the shelves of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op, and Ocado, said: "We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened."
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Eight in 10 Brits on a mission to get healthy by adding fruit and veg to their weekly shop, research reveals
EIGHT in 10 Brits are on a mission to buy British fruit and veg, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 79 per cent agree supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce. 3 A study has found that eight in 10 Brits want to buy more food grown in the UK Credit: SWNS 3 A huge number of Brits also want to eat healthier too Credit: Getty The same percentage of Brits added it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Of these, 67 per cent said they want to support British farmers, and 47 per cent recognise it reduces the UK's reliance on imports. However, when looking at their shopping basket, just six per cent know where their produce was grown - despite 63 per cent wanting to be more knowledgeable about the origins of their produce. The research was commissioned by GrowUp Farms and its brand Unbeleafable, which offers salad leaves grown without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions grown in the UK. Read More on Supermarket News Will Howard, UK MD and CCO from the vertical farming company, said: 'It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce. 'There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. 'But there is still a lot more to be done. 'Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. Most read in Health 'We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing.' The research went on to reveal 62 per cent are eager to support British farming even if ends up costing them a little more. What is kefir? The fermented milk drink that could improve your energy, skin and even Alzheimer's Respondents estimate they willingly spend as much as £32 a month more on their shopping as a result of opting to buy locally grown fruit or veg. Overall, 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. And, according to the survey conducted via OnePoll, more than two-thirds would pay more for UK-grown salad leaves. Will Howard from GrowUp Farms, which has its Unbeleafable products available in the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op and Ocado added: 'We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened." 3 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown food Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Eight in 10 Brits on a mission to get healthy by adding fruit and veg to their weekly shop, research reveals
EIGHT in 10 Brits are on a mission to buy British fruit and veg, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 79 per cent agree supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce. Advertisement 3 A study has found that eight in 10 Brits want to buy more food grown in the UK Credit: SWNS 3 A huge number of Brits also want to eat healthier too Credit: Getty The same percentage of Brits added it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Of these, 67 per cent said they want to support British farmers, and 47 per cent recognise it reduces the UK's reliance on imports. However, when looking at their shopping basket, just six per cent know where their produce was grown - despite 63 per cent wanting to be more knowledgeable about the origins of their produce. The research was commissioned by GrowUp Farms and its brand Unbeleafable, which offers salad leaves grown without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions grown in the UK. Advertisement Will Howard, UK MD and CCO from the vertical farming company, said: 'It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce. 'There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. 'But there is still a lot more to be done. 'Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. Advertisement 'We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing.' The research went on to reveal 62 per cent are eager to support British farming even if ends up costing them a little more. What is kefir? The fermented milk drink that could improve your energy, skin and even Alzheimer's Respondents estimate they willingly spend as much as £32 a month more on their shopping as a result of opting to buy locally grown fruit or veg. Overall, 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. Advertisement And, according to the survey conducted via OnePoll, more than two-thirds would pay more for UK-grown salad leaves. Will Howard from GrowUp Farms, which has its Unbeleafable products available in the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op and Ocado added: 'We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened."
Metro
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
It's finally peony season — these are the best online florists to buy them from
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more In case you missed the big news — it's finally peony season. Lusciously full and layered, these show-stopping ruffled blooms are typically associated with love and romance, and come in charming shades of blush, coral, fuschia, and white. Often found in old English gardens, peony plants ooze cottagecore charm — and once established, they're hardy enough to thrive for decades, which only adds to their vintage and elegant feel. But if you want to enjoy as many bouquets of peonies as possible this year, you'll need to act quickly — as the UK season typically comes to an end around the start of July. So, that makes June a pretty precious month for lovers of those pretty powderpuff petals. If you'd like to get your hands on a beautiful bunch of these magical blooms, head to your local florist, farmer's market, or supermarket. Or – if you'd prefer to have them delivered straight to your door — these are the online delivery services to turn to for a dreamy selection of perfect peonies by post. Famous for their flower subscription services, Freddie's Flowers offer three different bouquet sizes, and keep sustainability at their core. Best of all, their peony offering is truly sensational this year — with reds, whites, and plenty of pink varieties making appearances in their current selection of seasonal bouquets. They're all stunning, but Peony Passion is our personal favourite. BUY FREDDIE'S FLOWERS PEONIES FROM £27.50 For beautiful letterbox blooms that don't break the bank, Bloom & Wild is one of our favourite delivery services. This year, there are twenty different peony arrangements to choose from — ranging from letterbox bunches and small posies, to style-at-home flowers and hand-tied bouquets. The Theo fits nicely through the letterbox, and boasts coral coloured peonies, pastel pink spray carnations, lilac stocks, and vibrant yellow solidago. BUY BLOOM & WILD PEONIES FROM £22 Not only are most Prestige Flowers bouquets available in three different sizes, they can also be sent with lovely extras like personalised message cards and free recorded messages — which is ideal if you're sending your bouquet as a gift. Simple yet effective, Peony Blush is the perfect arrangement for anyone looking for just a basic bunch of bright pink British-grown blooms. BUY PRESTIGE FLOWERS PEONIES FROM £26.99 For statement single-variety bunches of your favourite seasonal blooms, look no further than FLOWERBX. As well as being sustainably grown and cut-to-order, each stunning stem is of the absolute highest quality — all you'll need to do is plonk them in your favourite vase or jug. This year's peony collection includes nine different gorgeous varieties — but for an elegant yet understated display, you can't go wrong with ten stems of Cotton Cloud Peonies. BUY FLOWERBX PEONIES FROM £45 The UK's most ethical flower company, Arena Flowers plants two trees for every bouquet they deliver, and also only source their flowers from ethical suppliers or Fairtrade-certified farms. In terms of peonies, there are currently seven different arrangements available— with Silk Crush certainly reigning supreme if you like a vibrant mix of colours. BUY ARENA FLOWERS PEONIES FROM £28 As well as their stunning selection of luxurious hand-tied gift bouquets, Bloom delivers freshly cut market flowers — freshly cut on the farm. You select the number of stems, and they'll wrap them in brown paper, and deliver them straight to your doorstep. There are currently four different peony varieties to pick from — including these delicate dusky pink Sarah Bernhardt Pink Peonies. BUY BLOOM PEONIES FROM £45 Famous for their opulent and creative approach to floral artistry, Wild at Heart is one of the most celebrated British luxury florists. Every beautifully curated bouquet in their dazzling Peony Collection comes in four different sizes, and can be bought in 'Wilder' or 'Serene' styles. Bursting with vibrant pastel hues, Deliciously Pleasing boasts an eclectic mix of peonies, roses, sweet peas, nigellas, scabious, viburnum, and jasmine. BUY WILD AT HEART PEONIES FROM £85 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: 'Vieve's skin-boosting primer makes me look like I've had 8 hours of sleep' MORE: Top 6 items any first-time buyer should have on their shopping list as chosen by our shopping expert MORE: 9 best BBQs and pizza ovens from Dunelm ideal for this bank holiday weekend
