The harvested area for chicory and lettuce in the UK has seen a significant decline from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the area harvested stood at 6.25 thousand hectares and peaked slightly to 6.43 thousand hectares by 2015. However, from 2016 onwards, there was a steep decline, reaching 4.18 thousand hectares in 2023. This represents a year-on-year decrease of 2.84%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years is -2.84%, indicating a continuing downward trend.
Forecast data suggests that this decline will persist, with the harvested area expected to drop to 3.54 thousand hectares by 2028. The forecasted 5-year CAGR is -2.62%, translating to a total decline of 12.44% over the next five years.
Key trends to watch for in the future include:
- Shifts in climate patterns that could impact crop yields.
- Changes in consumer demand and dietary habits that might influence production decisions.
- Potential advances in agricultural technology that could improve efficiency and yield, potentially reversing the downward trend.
- Economic factors and policy changes that might affect the agriculture sector, such as subsidies or trade agreements.
