Mild weather likely to result in brassica shortage, say growers

Broccoli, cauliflower and other brassicas may be in short supply this spring as the mild autumn and winter have caused the crops to come up early, growers have said.

- Helena Horton

Any shortages would prolong the so-called "hungry gap", from April to early June, when few crops grown in the UK are ready to harvest.

It will also be hard to supplement any vegetables with crops imported from mainland Europe, as floods in key growing areas have prevented many farmers from planting in time for a spring harvest.

Climate breakdown means such shortages will become more frequent, according to the Met Office. Heavy rainfall, which can damage crops, is also becoming more frequent in the UK and across Europe because of climate breakdown.