There are fears of UK food shortages in supermarkets after the devastating floods in Spain that have killed more than 200 people and destroyed farms.
Officials have warned that one of Spain’s worst natural disasters in modern history could cause the death toll to rise even further as more rains are expected in the coming days.
In the UK, supermarkets are warning of potential shortages among some of its fresh fruit and vegetables, revealed i.
These shortages could last for months which could have a significant impact on consumers, the economy, and businesses.
Shoppers in the UK have been warned they may face fruit and vegetable shortages in supermarkets as Spain’s devastating flood continues to cause mass destruction.
According to UK officials, imports could be affected by this Spanish disaster, however, they also noted there would be no wider risk to overall UK food security.
As such, the UK Government is assessing the potential impact these floods could have on supply chains when it comes to certain products such as fruits and vegetables.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “There is no risk to overall UK food security as a result of the flooding.
“However we are assessing the potential impact on individual product lines, and are ready to support industry should any food supply chain issues occur.”
Spain is the largest exporter of fresh oranges with Valencia accounting for 60% of its citrus products, warned the region’s Institute of Agriculture Investigations.
Valencia is also the world’s top exporter of other products including almonds, avocados, and grapes, which are used for wine-making.
The UK Government have announced they will be ready to take action in supporting UK supermarkets including the wider food industry if there is disruption as thousands of hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Spain.
Fruit, tomatoes, and rice farmlands have also been deluged by these floods with experts warning of a ripple effect on supply chains of some crops.
The UK imports more fresh fruit and vegetables from Spain with Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, professor of climate change, food systems and health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, warning of a “gap in terms of the supply”.
He added: “We don’t know how long it will take farmers to get the land back into production and be able to recover. So then you look at at least two seasons where the supply from Spain is still going to be disrupted.”
Dr Umair Choksy, senior lecturer in management at the University of Stirling Management School, said: “Any shortages in the UK due to the Spanish floods are unlikely to be immediate. It will take time to fully assess the extent of the damage to crops and infrastructure.
“However, the impact on the UK is likely to be most noticeable in the coming months, as the effects on Spain’s harvests and supply chains unfold.”
