US lettuce supplies are being flown into the UK to fill the gaps left by a shortage of EU product, says the British Leafy Salads Association. Soaring temperatures and rising demand have put pressure on EU supplies, reflected in the rise of UK market prices from 30p to 80p a head.
Unsurprisingly crops have not fared well in the recent spell of hot weather. Above 24°C, lettuce cannot grow and high night-time temperatures coupled with high daytime temperatures can result in lettuces starting to bolt and form a seed head which results in considerably reduced yields, said the association.
Warm weather has also put high demands on irrigation. Lettuce growers are planting crops but these require large amounts of water to establish and to keep the product alive. Conditions for harvesting have also been described as difficult.
The situation is in direct contrast to earlier in the year when crops were lost as the good growing conditions of July brought the crops on early and supply outstripped demand. Growers now have to harvest the crop between five and 10 days sooner than they would do in a normal season.
The UK is not alone in requiring additional supplies. Germany and the Netherlands have also seen demand outstrip supply and the situation is expected to last well into the autumn.
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