Could Brussels sprouts be off the menu this Christmas?

Flea beetles will eat away at the leaves of brassicas like sprouts.

The extent of their munching on Bennet’s crop has seen some of the leaves eaten by as much as 70 percent, which reduces their ability to photosynthesise and give the plant energy it needs to grow.

He said that a lack of water is one of the reasons the beetle likes to eat away at his crops in search of food and moisture.

But other crops like potatoes and squash have done really well, which is why he advocates for a mixed system.

“We farm for all weathers and whatever is thrown at us we can capitalise on it.”

“Having eggs not in one basket is definitely the way forward.”

Non-organic farmers are also affected – as a pesticide that kills the beetles can’t be commonly used because its harmful to bees.

Mike Hirons, CEO of Oxfordshire wholesaler, Produce Warriors, said it is too early to say whether we’re likely to see an impact on sprout supply.

But he said poor yields had caused prices of other Christmas vegetables like potatoes and broccoli to increase already.

“What we can know is that if our prices have been high through the summer then it would not surprise me if they continue through the winter.”