The impact of extreme heat on the vegetable and fruit harvest in Ireland

Vegetable growers are facing a surplus harvest due to weather conditions favorable for growth. However, against the backdrop of the heat, consumer demand has decreased, as buyers have become less inclined to prepare complex dishes. Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics notes that due to a drop in orders, his 40-acre organic farm has accumulated surplus produce, including zucchini, cabbage, and cucumbers. The farmer is forced to dispose of a significant portion of the harvest on compost piles, which creates financial difficulties for the enterprise.

For fruit producers, the current situation has become a serious challenge. Des Jeffares of Ballykelly Farms, specializing in growing blackcurrants on 60 acres, reports a significant acceleration of the harvesting season due to a lack of precipitation and climate change. In his opinion, Irish farmers need to transition to more heat-resistant cultivars, which are grown in other European countries.

Philip Little of Little Irish Apple Co is concerned about the condition of his 45-acre apple orchards. The fruit on the trees, which are already 36 years old, remains small due to the drought. At the same time, installing irrigation systems that could solve the problem is too expensive an investment for the farmer. Similar problems with soil moisture are noted by Cornelius Traas of the Apple Farm. On his farm, the average soil temperature during the summer months reached 22 degrees, and the moisture deficit reached extreme levels. Although plots with drip irrigation demonstrate good performance, most orchards in Ireland are not equipped with irrigation systems, as their use is not justified under normal weather conditions.