While other parts of the world have been battered by extreme droughts, Britain has been plagued with the second wettest year on record. Heavy rainfall has saturated the land, causing floods and waterlogged fields. This has had a devastating effect on agricultural produce as rain has resulted in failed crops and harvesting problems.
It is estimated that 52.4 inches of rain fell in 2012, which meant that many farmers were unable to plant crops for 2013 due to flooded fields. Some farmers have noted that the harvests last year were some of the worst they had experienced and that if the wet weather continues, there will be an equally small harvest in 2013.
The bad weather and failed crops has meant that food produce in Britain is at a low last experienced in the 1980s. Foodstuffs that were particularly affected include apples, of which the crop was down by 30 percent. Additionally, the wheat harvest has been affected by floods and slugs that thrive in the wet weather. Other grain crops have also failed and this has had a knock-on impact on livestock, which depend on grain for their feed.
Consequently, this has meant that there is also a shortage in meat products, particularly in poultry and pork. A number of other agricultural products have been affected by the prolonged bad weather, including potatoes, rape seed oil, vegetables and fruit. Essentially, the torrential rain has had a destructive effect across the spectrum of food produce and as a result, supermarket prices are due to increase substantially.
Market research experts have estimated that food inflation will rise by as much as 5% in the coming months because of the bad weather. This is because farmers are unable to produce enough food supply to satisfy the extremely competitive retail market, which will drive prices up to meet profit margins. Essential items like bread will be particularly affected by the 29% increase in wheat prices.
It has already been noted that “100% British wheat” stamps on bread packaging have been removed as companies are forced to import grain from the EU. Moreover, fruit and vegetable prices are up by 34%, making it increasingly difficult to get the recommended 5-a-day. The price of carrots has risen by 49% in the past year and salad tomatoes have risen by 45% more than what they were last summer.
For a food wholesaler, keeping food prices down for the consumer is important. However with a lack of agricultural produce in 2012 and similar predictions for 2013, it has been forecasted that prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
About The Author:
Adam has been writing articles for a number of years now with great success.
Image Credit:
Wonderlane
0 comments:
Post a Comment