Turgrass prices expected to rise in 2024
The price of turfgrass is predicted to rise following a year of challenging growing conditions.
The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) reports that consumers could see a rise in prices as a result of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions across the UK in the last year.
The Association accredits a ‘spectrum of climatic challenges’ to the predicted rise, from prolonged summer droughts to heavy rainfall, which the TGA says have been ‘exacerbated by stringent chemical legislation’ have led to increased disease vulnerability and impacted harvest yields.
This, combined with the effects of climate change highlighted by the Met Office, which include localised flooding, altered seasonality and the expanding habitat range of pests, have left the TGA ‘concerned’.
Richard Owns, chair of the TGA comments on the rise, stating: “This trend is expected to continue, necessitating an industry-wide adjustment in turfgrass pricing to offset the increasing costs of production.”
The Association says the rising cost of fertilisers and fuel, supply chain disruptions, and the need for more sustainable growing practices are also contributing to the anticipated price increase.