Latest news with #UK-grown
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Pea shortage fears over earliest harvest in 14 years
Farmers fear there will be a shortage of British-grown peas in supermarket freezers after long spells of sunshine and dry weather resulted in the earliest harvest in 14 to the National Farmers' Union (NFU), vining pea growers across Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and East Yorkshire have seen up to a 30% drop in the number of peas picked and processed this pea grower in Louth said he believed the drop in yield "could result in shortages".According to the Met Office, England had its driest spring in more than 100 years, followed by its warmest June on record. Some areas experienced three heatwaves in quick succession in June and July, with the intense warmth drawing more moisture out of the Moreton, a regional NFU chair in Lincolnshire, said crops had been "drying out and dying because of the extreme heat and the lack of moisture"."The east coast is your primary vining pea land. It's all good, well drained land that peas like to grow on. But it's not looking good at the moment. I've never known the viners go out so early. I really haven't."The British peas will be in short supply this year but, unless the rain does something really amazing or unless there's a really good end to the season, we are going to look at shortages." Ian Watson is an operations manager for a pea grower in Louth called Stemgold Peas which works with more than 3,500 farms across Lincolnshire. They usually produce about 6,000 tonnes of peas a year, of which 5,000 are sold frozen while the remainder are said their harvesting period would normally begin in the middle of June and continue until the end of August, but this year the harvest started on 4 June "which is incredibly early". "We've seen challenges right from the start of the season whereby soils have been very dry, very hard, very difficult to work," said Mr Watson. "We're seeing very, very thin crops. They're not going to yield." Mr Watson said the crops were so stressed by the weather, the number of peas in a pod had dropped by more than half, from up to 10 to "two big round peas and the rest have shrivelled up and died"."In some instances, we're going to actually lose crops," he said. "It's not just here. They're finding the same further south into Norfolk and east Suffolk. They're having an even worse time than we are."Mr Watson said the recent rainfall was "too little, too late" and feared a "shortage of UK-grown peas". Tom Screeton works as a senior agriculture fieldsman at Birds Eye looking after pea fields in East Yorkshire. The company works with more than 250 growers who usually harvest about 35,000 tonnes of peas a year in said the drought meant the peas were maturing at a faster rate than they were able to be harvested."We have a two-and-a-half-hour window to get these peas from being picked fresh in the field to being frozen at the end of the line in the factory. That process involves the harvesting, then haulage into the factory from up to 40 miles (64km) away, and then freezing when it gets to Hull. "So the fact that whole process has moved so much more quickly has been quite a challenge." Michelle Lawrie is a quality manager at Birds Eye, checking the condition of the harvested produce. A pea taster, she samples about 32 plates of peas on a daily basis during the season."The sweetness depends on the weather. This year in particular we've had a lot of sun so the peas are very, very sweet this year - exceptionally so."Mr Screeton said the firm was looking at ways to mitigate challenges brought on by the fluctuating extreme weather. Last year, the wet spring meant farmers struggled to plant crops in time and resulted in a longer harvest with peas not maturing."I think going forward we can work on building more robust varieties as part of our breeding programme with more drought tolerant and stress resistant varieties."That's an ongoing process, but fundamentally with mother nature we're at the mercy of the elements and we just have to manage it as best we can." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Eight in 10 Brits on a mission to get healthy by adding fruit and veg to their weekly shop, research reveals
EIGHT in 10 Brits are on a mission to buy British fruit and veg, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 79 per cent agree supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce. 3 A study has found that eight in 10 Brits want to buy more food grown in the UK Credit: SWNS 3 A huge number of Brits also want to eat healthier too Credit: Getty The same percentage of Brits added it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Of these, 67 per cent said they want to support British farmers, and 47 per cent recognise it reduces the UK's reliance on imports. However, when looking at their shopping basket, just six per cent know where their produce was grown - despite 63 per cent wanting to be more knowledgeable about the origins of their produce. The research was commissioned by GrowUp Farms and its brand Unbeleafable, which offers salad leaves grown without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions grown in the UK. Read More on Supermarket News Will Howard, UK MD and CCO from the vertical farming company, said: 'It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce. 'There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. 'But there is still a lot more to be done. 'Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. Most read in Health 'We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing.' The research went on to reveal 62 per cent are eager to support British farming even if ends up costing them a little more. What is kefir? The fermented milk drink that could improve your energy, skin and even Alzheimer's Respondents estimate they willingly spend as much as £32 a month more on their shopping as a result of opting to buy locally grown fruit or veg. Overall, 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. And, according to the survey conducted via OnePoll, more than two-thirds would pay more for UK-grown salad leaves. Will Howard from GrowUp Farms, which has its Unbeleafable products available in the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op and Ocado added: 'We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened." 3 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown food Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Eight in 10 Brits on a mission to get healthy by adding fruit and veg to their weekly shop, research reveals
EIGHT in 10 Brits are on a mission to buy British fruit and veg, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 79 per cent agree supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce. Advertisement 3 A study has found that eight in 10 Brits want to buy more food grown in the UK Credit: SWNS 3 A huge number of Brits also want to eat healthier too Credit: Getty The same percentage of Brits added it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Of these, 67 per cent said they want to support British farmers, and 47 per cent recognise it reduces the UK's reliance on imports. However, when looking at their shopping basket, just six per cent know where their produce was grown - despite 63 per cent wanting to be more knowledgeable about the origins of their produce. The research was commissioned by GrowUp Farms and its brand Unbeleafable, which offers salad leaves grown without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions grown in the UK. Advertisement Will Howard, UK MD and CCO from the vertical farming company, said: 'It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce. 'There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. 'But there is still a lot more to be done. 'Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. Advertisement 'We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing.' The research went on to reveal 62 per cent are eager to support British farming even if ends up costing them a little more. What is kefir? The fermented milk drink that could improve your energy, skin and even Alzheimer's Respondents estimate they willingly spend as much as £32 a month more on their shopping as a result of opting to buy locally grown fruit or veg. Overall, 72 per cent would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. Advertisement And, according to the survey conducted via OnePoll, more than two-thirds would pay more for UK-grown salad leaves. Will Howard from GrowUp Farms, which has its Unbeleafable products available in the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op and Ocado added: 'We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened."
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning over ‘contaminated' tomatoes sold across UK after surge in deadly infection that left 100 ill & 14 hospitalised
FOOD safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning over a popular salad staple. Certain tomatoes have been linked to a deadly infection that's already left a dozen people in hospital. Advertisement 2 Two nasty strains of the diarrhoea-inducing bug have been behind the surge in cases this year Health officials have sounded the alarm after a deadly salmonella outbreak was linked to tomatoes — with more than 100 people falling ill and at least 14 rushed to hospital. The alert comes after the worrying outbreak sparked fears over contaminated produce, prompting health bosses to advise shoppers to check their tomatoes carefully and follow hygiene advice. Two nasty strains of the Worryingly, the infections aren't limited to one region — cases have been reported across the UK, prompting a nationwide health warning from safety chiefs. Advertisement Tests revealed that every case in the outbreak was caused by two rare strains of the bug — Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona — with health chiefs warning the latter can cause particularly severe illness. S. Blockley is usually found in East Asia and the US, and has only been recorded a handful of times across Europe, making the spike in UK cases even more alarming. It comes as new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show salmonella infections have soared in the first three months of 2025 — up significantly compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is typically linked to meat, eggs and poultry — but experts now warn contaminated tomatoes are behind a wave of stomach-churning illness sweeping the UK. Advertisement Most read in Health The nasty bug, which infects the gut of farm animals, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and fever — and while most people recover within days, in some cases it can prove deadly. According to 2024 data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 81 cases of the rare S. Blockley strain were confirmed by lab tests — all linked to tomatoes. Three dead and two hospitalised after food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts in NHS hospitals At least 14 people were hospitalised. The fruit was also blamed for a separate outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona, affecting another 24 people. Advertisement Officials say it's still unclear where the tomatoes came from — whether they were UK-grown or imported. Experts say the soft, porous texture of tomatoes makes them more vulnerable to salmonella — especially as they're often eaten raw, meaning bugs aren't killed off by cooking. Symptoms of Salmonella Blockley to look out for SYMPTOMS of Salmonella Blockley, a specific type of Salmonella infection, are similar to general Salmonella infection. Common symptoms include: Diarrhoea - This is often the most prominent symptom. Stomach cramps or abdominal pain -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Fever - A temperature elevation is a common symptom. Nausea and vomiting - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit. Chills -This can be associated with fever. Headache - Some individuals may experience headaches. Blood in the stool - In some cases, blood can be present in the stool. Salmonella symptoms typically last for four to seven days, and most people recover without needing specific treatment. You should see a doctor for salmonella symptoms if your symptoms are severe, prolonged, or you are at increased risk of complications. This includes infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection, and those most at risk include the elderly, young children and anyone with a weakened Health officials are urging Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. Advertisement The most common signs include diarrhoea — which may be watery and occasionally contain blood or mucus — stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chills. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but even mild cases can leave people feeling drained. In more serious instances, the illness can lead to severe Some sufferers may go on to develop reactive arthritis, a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, or even enteric fever — a rare but dangerous form of the illness that brings on Advertisement While most people recover without medical intervention, doctors advise seeking help if symptoms are severe or don't improve after a few days, if there's blood in the stool, or if signs of dehydration — such as dizziness or reduced urination — are present. Anyone preparing fresh produce like tomatoes is reminded to wash them thoroughly, store them properly, and follow general food hygiene guidance to reduce the risk of infection. Treatment There is no specific treatment for most cases of salmonella infection, as it usually clears up on its own within a week. The primary focus is on staying hydrated, especially if diarrhoea and vomiting are severe, to prevent dehydration. Advertisement Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths is essential. In some cases, doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and cramps, but antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless the infection is severe, spreads beyond the intestines, or affects high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. If complications like enteric fever or reactive arthritis develop, more intensive medical treatment, including antibiotics or specialist care, may be required. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms or prolonged illness should seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper care and avoid complications. Advertisement Prevention Preventing salmonella largely comes down to good hygiene and safe food practices. Experts say there are several simple steps that can dramatically reduce your risk of infection. Always thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the correct internal temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Handwashing is crucial — especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw produce or meat, and before preparing or eating food. Advertisement When travelling, stick to bottled or properly treated water, particularly in countries where sanitation may be poor. Avoid ice cubes or uncooked foods that may have been rinsed in contaminated water. Read more on the Irish Sun While there's no vaccine for general salmonella, typhoid fever — a severe form of salmonella — can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for travellers heading to high-risk areas. Taking these precautions can help you avoid getting seriously ill — and stop the spread of infection to others. Advertisement 2 Health officials have sounded the alarm after a salmonella outbreak was linked to tomatoes Credit: Getty Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Rusty railway carriage transformed into eco-friendly space
The project is the work of Newport-based architect Spence Gadsby, 32, who launched handcrafted hut business Tŷ Green in early 2023 after securing a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. Mr Gadsby said: "Every project teaches me something new. "I've gone from constructing moveable huts on wheels to modular garden builds that can be delivered and assembled quickly with workshop-level precision. "It's all about refining the process while staying true to my sustainability goals." Mr Gadsby turned the carriage into a warm, energy-efficient living space using natural, breathable materials. Tŷ Green has completed three major eco-conscious builds so far, with a fourth underway. Mr Gadsby's passion for sustainability was reinforced by a course at the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. The £20,000 loan allowed him to secure workshop space and materials for his first project. He uses UK-grown cedar cladding, Welsh sheep wool insulation, and locally milled ash in his designs. His latest build features 100 per cent wool insulation from Wool Insulation Wales and timber from small sawmills such as Coppice & Crown. Demand for his bespoke huts is growing, and he now hopes to expand by hiring support and taking on multiple projects at once. He is also exploring planning permission for an eco-friendly glamping site. Mr Gadsby said: "The Start Up Loan gave me the foundation to get going. "It funded my workshop space and the materials for that all-important first build. "I've not taken on any further funding, but I'm now building a strong reputation for bespoke, sustainable huts that speak for themselves." Jessica Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: "Spence is a brilliant example of how Start Up Loans can help turn a big idea into a growing business."
