About 40-50% of peas and 90% of beans are still in the field, and quality is starting to suffer, according to the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO).

Chief executive Salvador Potter said yields so far had been all over the place.

“Winter beans have not yielded as well as the past two years, but have done reasonably well.

“But spring beans are very susceptible to drought, and it did hammer them.”

He reckoned peas had averaged about 3.5-4t/ha (1.4-1.6t/acre) and beans 4t/ha (1.6t/acre).

“The West and South East have suffered more than the North and East of the country in terms of the drought and heavy rain at harvest – they are going to be the worst affected areas.”

Vining peas had proven particularly variable, with East Anglia hit the worst, he added.

“The rain has affected the quality of the peas – there are some bleaching problems.”

The biggest quality issue for beans was Bruchid Beetle damage. “It has been very high – with up to 50% infestation in some cases.

“The warm and dry spring was very favourable for the beetles, and export quality is going to be challenging this year as a result.”