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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rebecca Whittaker

Farmers warn a popular Halloween tradition may be on hold this year

  • Record heatwaves and persistent drought in the UK have severely stunted pumpkin crops, making them about half their usual size with thicker skins.
  • Pumpkins stopped growing properly during the peak season from May to September as the region experienced over 40 days of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
  • Farmers are suggesting that families paint or draw on their pumpkins this Halloween instead of traditional carving.
  • Country Land and Business Group president Gavin Lane highlighted the harvest as a chance to discuss climate impacts on crop production with children.
  • The severe weather conditions also damaged other harvests across the region, including smaller yields for potatoes and apples.

IN FULL

Halloween pumpkins could be half their usual size due to heatwaves, farmers warn

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