Economy
The Great British Vegetable Crisis
Extreme weather has caused British vegetable shortages—but is the real problem an unsustainable food system?
This winter has brought unusually icy and rainy weather to Southern Europe, causing floods and ruining the Mediterranean vegetable crops on which British grocery stores rely. As a result, zucchini have all but disappeared from British shelves, while eggplants can go for as much as $1.50 apiece. Certain supermarkets have rationed iceberg lettuces and heads of broccoli per customer to make sure stocks last. There is even talk of people stockpiling greens and reselling them for huge profits.
Green advocates have been urging Britons to eat local, seasonal produce for years. Right now, it seems that we don’t really have a choice.