Andrew Williams of root crop specialists Home Farm, Nacton, near Ipswich, reckons the business will be reducing its potato planted acreage this season by about 10 per cent. He says the decision was made last September and the lack of water was a major factor. “The shortage of water is a big worry,” says Mr Williams.
North Norfolk potato grower Kit Papworth, of LF Papworth, says the current dry spell in the region is exceptional. “We have a reduced area of potatoes this year (drilling more oilseed rape instead), but I cannot say water availability was the sole reason. Poor contract prices and expensive land rents are more relevant,” he says.
