Floods threaten fresh produce supplies

Pubs face paying higher prices for fresh produce, as well as staples such as frozen chips, as farmers mop after the floods.

The wettest June on record means the harvest of crops such potatoes and peas will be a washout in many parts of the country. Sprouting vegetables such as cabbages and broccoli have also been badly hit.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has warned that potato blight, which thrives in wet conditions, will reduce the yield for many producers. The British Potato Council (BPC) said the full extent of the problem will not be clear until crops are harvested in September and October.

"The flooding, whilst causing severe losses for some individual growers, has not impacted on Britain's supply, as yet, to any significant degree," said a BPC spokesperson.

With 85 per cent of frozen peas coming from UK farmers, the Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) Frozen Vegetable Committee has warned of a potentially disastrous pea crop in England.

Heavy rain and flooding has hit farms in both Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire, where a high concentration of peas for processing are grown. At best, the FDF expects around 70 per cent of the expected crop to be harvested.

Sarah Pettitt, Chairman of FDF's Frozen Vegetable Committee said: "Given the worldwide shortage of suitable high quality peas to service total market needs, a disaster harvest this year on the back of a very poor crop last year will mean a definite break in the supply chain."

She added: "Other crops such as broad beans, green beans and brassicas are also being seriously affected, particularly broad beans and the potential green bean crop."