Could heatwaves make your food shop more expensive?
Summary
This summer’s hot and dry weather in the UK is creating challenges for farmers and could lead to higher food prices. Drought conditions have caused an early and smaller harvest, which may affect the entire supply chain, from growing crops to supermarket shelves.Key Facts
- More than half of England is currently in drought conditions.
- Heatwaves cause fridges in supermarkets to work harder and some items to be removed on very hot days.
- The supply chain includes all steps from growing food to selling it in stores, and higher costs at any stage can raise prices.
- Farmers are harvesting earlier than usual due to dry conditions, which lowers the amount of food produced.
- The National Farmers’ Union warns some foods might become scarce if the drought continues.
- Experts say short-term heat won’t immediately raise prices, but ongoing drought could increase costs for meat, milk, eggs, and chicken because of less animal feed.
- Farmers often have contracts fixed a year in advance, so they may not earn more even if they produce less this year.
- The UK supply chain is described as resilient, but changes may be needed to support farmers and adjust future production and transport.
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