Most of UK’s essential food supply grown in drought-risk areas, report warns
Summary
Most of the UK’s important food, like cereals and potatoes, is grown in parts of England that face moderate to very high risk of drought. This water shortage risk threatens food production and has already lowered crop yields in some key farming areas.Key Facts
- 81% of England’s fresh produce comes from areas currently under water stress.
- Around 75% of England’s wheat, barley, and oilseed rape are grown in moderate to very high drought-risk zones.
- About 30% of wheat and barley crops grow in areas facing severe drought risk.
- Traditional farming regions like East Anglia and Kent have had dry weather for several years.
- The 2026 cereal harvest in England and Wales was below average in volume.
- The Elveden estate in Suffolk has faced drought conditions three out of the past five years, reducing crop yields.
- UK farmers need to manage water carefully to keep producing staple foods rather than relying on imports.
- Drought impacts the economy by causing lower food supplies and higher prices.
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