Farmers across the UK are facing challenges with potato harvests due to prolonged dry and hot weather conditions this summer. Kate Mayne, a potato agronomist from Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, has indicated there could be "issues" with the number and quality of potatoes harvested.
The Met Office has stated that this summer is on course to be the UK's hottest on record. Additionally, July was the driest in both England and Wales since records began in 1836.
Farmers are under pressure as groundwater supplies are not being replenished, making irrigation difficult. Ben Savidge, a farmer from Ross-on-Wye, has experienced potato yield reductions of "40 to 50 percent in places" on his farm due to a lack of irrigation access. He is investing in new reservoirs to improve water storage.
Ms Mayne also noted that high temperatures mean potatoes cannot grow for several hours during the middle of the day, potentially affecting their size. She added that imported potatoes from Europe have also been affected by similar conditions.