Energy has been the big issue for protected salad growers in recent times, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and UK Salads went into administration in February 2024.
However, Lea Valley Growers Association secretary Lee Stiles comments: “It’s been a good year for cucumber growers in the Lea Valley. Prices have risen thanks to some supportive supermarkets. Many growers are considering going back to three crops next year instead of the two crops that they have stuck to for the past few years.
“Pepper, aubergine and tomato growers have received steady prices and orders this year. In contrast, many ornamental growers have written off this year due to poor weather-related sales at the start of the year combined with low retail sales over the summer. It appears that consumers are tightening their belts in the lead-up to Christmas.”
