Most of UK’s essential food supply grown in drought-risk areas, report warns
News Source
•Sun, 27 Sep 2026 16:24:27 GMT
📰 What Happened
A report says most of the UK's key foods are grown in areas at risk of drought. The study comes from Rebalance Earth, an investment fund focused on nature. It found 81% of England's fresh produce grows in places already short of water.
It also found 77% of wheat, 75% of barley and 67% of potatoes grow in areas rated at moderate to very high drought risk. About a quarter of staple crops face acute risk. The report warns this could raise prices.
🔍 The Backstory
Britain has had several dry summers in recent years. Rivers and reservoirs have run low, and hosepipe bans have become common. Farmers say changing weather makes harvests harder to predict.
Drought gets less attention than flooding because it builds slowly. Experts say both are part of the same climate problem and need long-term planning.
🎯 Why It Matters
If key crops fail, food prices rise in the shops. Planning for water shortages now could keep everyday groceries more affordable.
A report says most of the UK's key foods are grown in areas at risk of drought. The study comes from Rebalance Earth, an investment fund focused on nature. It found 81% of England's fresh produce grows in places already short of water.
It also found 77% of wheat, 75% of barley and 67% of potatoes grow in areas rated at moderate to very high drought risk. About a quarter of staple crops face acute risk. The report warns this could raise prices.
Britain has had several dry summers in recent years. Rivers and reservoirs have run low, and hosepipe bans have become common. Farmers say changing weather makes harvests harder to predict.
Drought gets less attention than flooding because it builds slowly. Experts say both are part of the same climate problem and need long-term planning.
If key crops fail, food prices rise in the shops. Planning for water shortages now could keep everyday groceries more affordable.