A shortage of some fruit and vegetables could last until May, according to producers in one of the UK's biggest growing regions.
The Lea Valley Growers Association (LVGA) in south-east England said major UK growers were delaying planting some crops due to high energy costs.
Major British supermarkets have been placing limits on fruit and vegetable sales after shortages.
The government and industry have blamed bad weather in Spain and North Africa for the squeeze.
The association has around 80 members across an area that includes Greater London, Hertfordshire and Essex.
Growers there produce around three-quarters of the UK cucumber and pepper crops, and a large number of aubergines and tomatoes.
Weather
The association said that, while weather conditions in Spain and Morocco are the main reason behind the current shortages, the situation is being made worse by UK producers delaying planting crops this season.
They have been put off by high energy costs for greenhouses, and low prices offered by supermarkets for their produce.
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said on Thursday that shortages could last for a month, but UK growers think it could be for longer.
"The majority of tomatoes, peppers and aubergines are not going to be around in big volumes until May, so it's going to be longer than a few weeks,", said Lee Stiles, secretary of the LVGA.
In the winter months the UK usually imports around 95% of its tomatoes, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium.
But Mr Stiles said the association, which also imports produce, is only getting a quarter of the produce it has ordered from Spain and Morocco.
Pack houses closed
"Some Lea Valley pack houses have closed for a few days due to lack of deliveries, and others are losing workers as they could only offer three hours work a day instead of full shifts over the last few weeks," he told the BBC.
"It's too late for UK growers to step in and try and make up some of the shortfall."
Mr Stiles said the prices set by supermarkets for British produce mean it is hard for growers to make a living - particularly during a period of very high energy bills.
Many producers are growing less or have delayed planting, and 10% of members have left the sector altogether, he said.
"It's a simple fact of economics between the growers and the supermarkets," he said.