The UK is experiencing its lowest cereal and rapeseed acreage in more than 20 years due to climate issues, according to new research from the country’s Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), FarmingUK reported on July 5.
The Planting and Variety Council study was conducted from April 15 to June 14, 2024. It found that plantings in Britain have seen a sharp decline this year, down 5% to the lowest level in more than two decades.
Rainfall in the country between September 2023 and May 2024 was the highest on record since 1836, at 1,157 mm, according to the Met Office. This is 25% more than the five-year average.
AHDB analyst Matt Darragh said significant rainfall across the UK had significantly limited farmers’ ability to carry out winter and spring sowing. “It also meant unfavourable growing conditions for planted crops, with the shortest hours of sunshine since 1995-96.”– he said.
Overall, reduced acreage and deteriorating crop conditions, particularly for winter crops, point to a decline in UK cereal production in 2024, the report said. However, some regions of the country have suffered more than others, but most have seen a decline in harvests.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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