Poor crops for peas and beans
European vegetable canners and freezers in major producing countries report shortages
for peas and beans – two key crops for the sector.
While the pea crop for important producing areas in Belgium,
Netherlands and France
was down 5 to 10% on forecasts, the UK, Europe's largest pea
producing area, was particularly badly hit with a 35%
shortfall.
Beans were also severely affected with Belgium and the UK down
20 to 25%, France and the Netherlands down 10 to 15% on forecasts
due to problems with drilling earlier this season, and generally
lower yields.
UK brassica crops are in short supply as the fresh market takes
up the volumes, and root crops are smaller than average years.
Germany and Poland report normal campaigns.
In addition to industry concerns over quantities, the sector's
prospects for next year are subdued as exceptionally high cereal
prices are felt on contracts, and competition for agricultural land
with other crops increases.