A farmer in Kent has resorted to applying a special clay mixture, akin to 'sun cream,' to his apples to protect them from the escalating temperatures during Britain's record-breaking heatwave. Clive Baxter, who manages Amsbury Farm in Maidstone, stated that fruit left in direct sunlight is being ruined as the juice inside boils, a phenomenon he observes when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius without wind.
Baxter, who has worked the land for 40 years, explained that this protective measure has been necessary for his Bramley apples for the past six years due to changing climate conditions. Before implementing this method, he estimated losing up to a fifth of his crop annually to spoilage. "The juice in the fruit starts to boil, and that particular apple in the sun is ruined," he said.
This innovative approach comes as the UK grapples with a prolonged period of hot and dry weather. A drought has been declared in half of England, with some areas experiencing nearly 50 consecutive days without measurable rainfall. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned that these conditions could lead to significant crop shortages. NFU president Tom Bradshaw noted that potato crops are particularly vulnerable as they stop growing above 30C, and livestock farmers are depleting winter feed reserves due to the lack of grass growth.
Baxter's farm, which produces approximately 2,000 tonnes of apples annually, has also diversified in recent years, planting grapes and apricots alongside traditional fruits. He has called on the government to invest in more reservoirs to bolster food security, emphasizing that "national security involves food security."
The water minister, Emma Hardy, acknowledged the increasing frequency of droughts, stating that "our climate is changing" and the country needs to prepare for this "new normal." She highlighted ongoing investments in water infrastructure, including the planned construction of nine new reservoirs, and urged water companies to reduce leaks and maintain supplies.
The current heatwave has led to amber heat alerts across several regions of England. This extreme weather follows a year that also saw challenges from winter flooding, which complicated planting seasons for many farmers. The NFU has urged swift government action to secure water supplies for domestic food production, with Bradshaw suggesting tax breaks for farmers who install water storage systems to prepare for future hot weather. "It does feel like there is going to be shortages of [food] products," he added, pointing out that the UK's traditional food import partners are also experiencing climate extremes.