The last Halloween for UK-grown pumpkins
Halloween is the time of year when pumpkins fly off the supermarket shelves, but climate change means the days of the British-grown pumpkins may soon be numbered.
A poll of UK farmers by Novuna Business Finance reveals the significant impact that the summer’s record heatwaves had on UK farmers – with 84% saying they would cut back on one or more product lines if the extreme weather experienced during the summer becomes the norm for future years. Of those that would make cutbacks, 17% of farmers said pumpkins would no longer be viable to grow. Other items for the chop included: barley (24%), poultry – including turkey, duck and goose (15%) and root vegetables (31%). A further 17% of farmers also said growing Christmas trees would no longer be viable.
Joanna Morris, head of insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “As we go into a winter season braced for El Niño, our latest research reminds us that the prolonged extreme heat over the summer months had a significant impact on many SMEs across the UK – with farmers particularly affected. Nationally, 41% of small and established businesses say their enterprises are impacted by the weather each season. Farmers are among those most affected, which is why they need more support as a vital part of the economy.
“At Novuna Business Finance we are supporting SMEs to become sustainable enterprises. Also, for our agricultural customers experiencing financial difficulties as a result of extreme weather, we are adopting a flexible approach to help them navigate unforeseen challenges.”
The Novuna Business Finance research also revealed that many farmers are also considering measures to be prepared for another hot summer in the future – with 29% investing in water storage reservoirs and 33% looking into drought-resistant crop varieties.
The farming sector opinion research was conducted online among a representative sample of 200 farming small businesses in October 2026.