Turf Supplies Low

The Turfgrass Growers Association ("TGA") has forecast shortages in cultivated turf due to the wet weather experienced across the UK last autumn as well as fuel blockades and the foot and mouth crisis. This is turn will lead to higher prices. The situation will take around 12 months to be rectified.

A TGA survey revealed the total area sown last autumn was down 20% over the previous year.

TGA spokesman Graeme Forbes said: "From reporting good business and good prospects in the summer of 2000, a number of turf growers have seen sales fall by 60 per cent. This was highlighted by last December's TGA survey in which a staggering 79 per cent of respondents described current trade as ranging from fair to very poor."

The TGA is dedicated to the advancement of quality turf production and its members are responsible for 70% of the turf grown in the UK & Ireland.