Substantial shortfall of peas and broad beans for processing confirmed - 17/08/2006

The EU’s vegetable processing companies concerned in both canning and freezing, and members of OEITFL, had already warned about the adverse effects the cold and wet spring followed by weeks of heatwave was having on raw material supply for the industry.
These vegetable processors are now in a position to confirm the negative impact on vegetables that have already been harvested in the main European producer countries (Belgium, France, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Poland).
The pea crop shortage varies from 20% to 40% depending on the country.
The situation is even worse as far as broad beans are concerned, with final volumes down as much as 35% to 50%, again dependent on the country.
These exceptional climatic conditions, after the hottest July ever in several European countries, are qualified by the EU processors as force majeure.
Significantly lower volumes of other main vegetables, namely green beans, carrots, cabbages, spinach and onions are expected.
The effects of the adverse hot weather conditions are now further aggravated by the cold and rainy weather being experienced in several EU countries. Heavy rainfall has again delayed harvest that was already behind schedule.