A call for more support for growers has gone out as farmers face up to the prospect of a poor harvest for the second year in a row.
A poll of some NFU members has revealed this year’s wheat harvest is likely to be smaller than last year.
In fact, the snapshot picture shows that predictions are that the harvest is on course to be almost 30 per cent lower than in 2012, resulting in confidence among arable farmers being at a new low.
This follows figures showing winter wheat planting area was 25 per cent down and follows a year of unprecedented extreme weather which has battered crops.
NFU combinable crops chairman Andrew Watts said: “It is hardly surprising that confidence is low. If the experts are to be believed and extreme weather is to become more frequent over the coming years, we must look at ways of supporting the industry.
“Crop protection technology must be embraced to help safeguard our harvests in years to come.”