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Kiwi fruits, peaches, grapes and nectarines could soon be
grown in the Garden of England due to climate change, according
to a new report.
Growers in Kent will be able to cultivate crops that normally
flourish in the heat of southern Europe, South America and
Africa, it suggests.
The reason lies in the decline of the winter chill, meaning
prolonged periods when the temperature stays above freezing,
but below 7°C (32°F-45°F).
Climate records studied by East Malling Research (EMR)
show that the amount of winter chill across the UK has fallen
since 1913, with the most dramatic drop in the south east.
Experts say that a continued decline in the chill would result
in a change in the fruit varieties that could thrive in the
region.
British grape production is already increasing and kiwis
and other more exotic fruits may also have potiential to grow
here, according to the experts.
Chris Atkinson, head of science at East Malling Research,
said - "Our climate records, kept since 1913, when compared
to data from other UK locations, show that throughout the
country, the amount of winter chill has already declined.
"In the south-east, we are already experiencing a 12 per
cent reduction in the number of chill hours each winter, while
the number of spring frosts has declined by a much higher
percentage."
Mr Atkinson said that as global temperatures increase, the
amount of chill that Britain receives is expected to decline
further. In the worst-case scenario in terms of climate change,
the winter chill in Kent is predicted to decline by more than
50 per cent by 2080, he said.
Winters will continue generally to become shorter and milder,
meaning that, in the south east, the yield of perennial crops
will fall and farmers will need to consider growing new crops
used to warmer climates.
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