Weather blamed as figures reveal significant slump in fruit and veg production

Defra says wet spring followed by early drought last year led to decreased yield as concern mounts for this year

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock • 2 min read
Defra has blamed bad weather in 2023 for the decrease in fruit and veg oduction
Image:

Defra has blamed bad weather in 2023 for the decrease in fruit and veg oduction

The UK has seen a significant drop in horticulture production, as new figures from Defra show decline in both fruit and vegetable yields. Although the value of ‘home-produced' fruit increased by 3.1%...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Farm Business

EXCLUSIVE: 'I want to be a champion for the farming sector' – First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth on his rural reset for Wales
Farm Business

EXCLUSIVE: 'I want to be a champion for the farming sector' – First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth on his rural reset for Wales

In his first sit-down interview since taking office, Wales' First Minister tells Farmers Guardian why he wants to shed the sense that farmers have things ‘done to them’, and what comes next for the Sustainable Farming Scheme

Olivia Midgley
Olivia Midgley
clock 21 July 2026 • 5 min read
Royal Welsh Show: FUW welcomes multiyear budget but urges Gov to offer payment guarantee
Farm Business

Royal Welsh Show: FUW welcomes multiyear budget but urges Gov to offer payment guarantee

President Ian Rickman says farmers still feel barriers to Sustainable Farming Scheme remain

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
Wales' First Minister emphasises importance of wildlife control in bovine TB strategy
Farm Business

Wales' First Minister emphasises importance of wildlife control in bovine TB strategy

Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show, Rhun ap Iorwerth said bTB was one of the main, ongoing challenges facing Welsh farm businesses

Olivia Midgley
Olivia Midgley
clock 20 July 2026 • 3 min read