Archive · 8 Aug 2026

UK Drought Threatens Food Security as Crop Yields Fall

UK Drought Threatens Food Security as Crop Yields Fall

Plants need water to grow, and in England there has been very little rain for months.

July was the driest July England has ever recorded, according to the Met Office.

Because of the dry weather, many farmers are growing much less food than before.

A farmer in Suffolk named John Pawsey grew about a quarter to a third less oats, wheat and vetch than he expected.

He also lost his whole quinoa crop, and a professor says the pea crop was only half of what farmers wanted.

When farms make less food, food may cost more and some things could run out in shops.

The head of the National Farmers' Union said people have taken food for granted for too long.

Some farmers are trying new crops that need less water, like chickpeas, fava beans and soya.

Experts say farms need to change so they can handle hotter, drier weather.

The government says it will invest a record amount in water infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.

Sources