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BRITAIN’S inaugural rice crop is being harvested by farmers taking advantage of the record-breaking hot summer.
Nine varieties—including risotto, basmati, and sushi—have been cultivated in newly established paddy fields.
These crops have thrived while this year's weather has disrupted wheat and sugar beet production on Oxwillow Farm.
Farmers Craig and Sarah-Jane Taylor have flooded the fields to cultivate rice as part of a trial aimed at rehabilitating their land in the Cambridgeshire Fens.
Sarah-Jane stated, “Our Fenland soils are among the most productive in the country; however, they are highly susceptible to drying out, and we need to adapt the crops we grow and the methods we use.”
For centuries, farmers have drained the fens, but drying out the rich, peaty soil has led to erosion by the wind.
The increasing frequency of hot summers exacerbates this issue, prompting the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to advocate for the cultivation of alternative crops that flourish in re-flooded fields.
The Taylors have elevated the water table on 20 acres near Ely to just a few inches below the surface.
This water level remains low enough for crops like lettuce and celery, while the rice has thrived, shielded from pests, beneath the surface.
They also report additional benefits, such as the resurgence of marsh-loving species and an enhancement of the area's drinking water supplies.
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has promoted the cultivation of alternative crops that thrive in re-flooded fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What varieties of rice are being grown in Britain?
Nine varieties, including risotto, basmati, and sushi, are being cultivated in the newly created paddy fields.
Why are farmers growing rice in the Cambridgeshire Fens?
Farmers are growing rice as part of a trial to restore their land and adapt to the changing climate, which has made traditional crops less viable.
What are the benefits of growing rice in flooded fields?
Growing rice in flooded fields helps protect the soil from erosion, supports the return of marsh-loving species, and improves the area's drinking water supplies.
