UK - Riverford reservoirs running dry, Devon fruit growers alarmed

11.08.2022 1137 views

Guy Singh-Watson from the Riverford Organic Farmers vegetable growing company in Devon has said the ongoing dry spell has caused its reservoirs to completely run dry. He called it "the worst year in 35 years" in terms of water levels.

Riverford provides seasonal, organic vegetable boxes and has a sustainable approach to both its farming and distribution methods. Singh-Watson: "We have run out of water before in 2018, but never this early." Also, the Met office is warning of extreme heat for parts of the region from Thursday until Sunday. South West Water said it could bring in water restrictions if there was more "exceptional demand" and longer spells of dry weather.

Water levels at some of its reservoirs are understood to be below the level of the previous drought year in 1995. The water provider said it would monitor the situation but it may have to bring in "formal restrictions over the coming weeks".

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com

18.10.2026

Chilean orchards assess crop damage following severe rain and hail

El Niño continues to dampen industry projections across South America. Earlier this week, severe rain and hail hit south-central Chile, where the Andean country concentrates most of its fruit production. 

18.10.2026

India - Women Farmers Encouraged To Adopt Natural Farming In Indore

He said the government was implementing schemes to make women self-reliant and independent, including 'Lakhpati Didi', 'Namo Drone Didi' and 'Krishi Sakhis' (agricultural companions) under the National Mission on Natural Farming. He said women were excelling in every field and bringing honour to the nation and state.

18.10.2026

India - Pune Drought Crisis Expands to 10 Talukas as Crop Loss Mounts

The Maharashtra government has expanded the drought-hit area in Pune district from eight to ten talukas, adding Junnar and Ambegaon after prolonged breaks in rainfall affected kharif crop growth and increased the need for irrigation water.

18.10.2026

Hungary's potato acreage falls to 5,065 hectares as European yields decline

Potato cultivation in Hungary has declined to 5,065 hectares in 2026, while reduced acreage and weather-related crop losses are affecting supplies across Europe.

18.10.2026

Greenhouse lettuce demand stays strong post Cyclospora outbreak in field product

It could be a challenging situation–maintaining the interest of new customers once a crisis in the industry has largely passed. Such could be the case for greenhouse lettuce growers and what some of them saw following this past summer's Cyclospora outbreak.

18.10.2026

USA - Illinois farmers can get insurance premiums for planting cover crops this fall

Illinois Department of Agriculture launches eighth program year.

15.10.2026

USA - New Legislation Would Expand LRP Insurance for Cattle Producers

New legislation introduced in Congress aims to give cattle producers additional tools to manage financial risk as the U.S. begins to rebuild its cattle herd, which remains at its lowest level in decades.

15.10.2026

Spain - Agricultural insurance approaches 1.800 million in Catalonia in 2025, according to Agroseguro.

Agricultural insurance in Catalonia approaches 1.800 million insured in 2025 and Agroseguro expects lower claims and more contracts in 2026.