The cold weather in April meant that this year’s eagerly awaited early UK asparagus was a bit of a disappointment, according to an industry insider.
Low temperatures across the UK this spring resulted in a late asparagus season and much lower volumes than expected.
An insider said: “April was cold and May was not the driest of months, and that has had a direct effect on the crop.
“The overcast, warm weather we have been having lately has just made the situation worse, and the lack of sun has kept yields low. The yield produced this season so far is only about 60 per cent of what we would have liked.”
With less than two weeks of the asparagus season to go, it looks like the industry will not be able to recuperate this year, and insiders are writing it off as a poor year.
“The quality of the crop has been good, but this year is certainly not going to go down as a vintage season,” said the same source.
“It is too late to make up the volumes we have missed out on. We need to put this season behind us and pray for a warm summer, which will let the soil recover for next year’s planting.
“There is a feeling that part of this situation is due to the impact of not having a very good autumn. The lack of sunlight has meant that there is less energy in the crowns, and it has stunted the crop’s growth.”
Despite problems with yield this season, demand for UK asparagus has been as high as ever, meaning that large amounts of imported asparagus have been brought into the country.
“It is not an ideal situation, but at least people are still eating asparagus, and demand continues to be as strong as ever,” added the source.
