Against the grain

In April, we visited Spain on a butterfly chasing tour, where I can tell you that the rain no longer falls on the plain.

Or plains.

Winter 2022/23 was very warm and dry, meaning that there was insufficient water for the crops, so by the time we were touring round, crops that should have been knee high were still at ankle level. All growing out of dust.

Since then, Spain has experienced its warmest ever Spring temperatures, and now like the rest of southern Europe, is plagued by wild fires.

The Grocer website posted a story this morning that harvets are to be 60% down on last year, and will be the lowest since 2007.

What makes 2023 far worse is the situation in Ukraine.

Last week Russia scrapped its deal to allow grain shipments to leave ports, and began bombing warehouses.

If we think how this will affect prices and supplies in the forthcoming winter, then bread, flour will skyrocket, taking into luxury foods for many.

Michael Gove promised there would be adequate food, will there, though?