Drought in the UK threatens a decline in yield and food shortages.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw reported a critical decline in production volumes. According to his data, the yield of oats and wheat in the current season is estimated to be extremely low. The livestock sector is also experiencing difficulties: due to the inability to grow grass, farmers are forced to use up winter feed stocks earlier than planned.

A complex situation has also developed for vegetable producers. The lack of water not only limits the volumes of grown crops but also provokes an increase in production costs. Weather conditions have become a serious test for all branches of the agricultural sector.

According to meteorological data, only 5.6 mm of precipitation fell in England by July 30, which is 8% of the long-term average. Similar figures were recorded in Wales, where the precipitation level was 7.9 mm (also 8% of the norm). Prolonged heat and a deficit of rainfall led to the rapid depletion of soil moisture, vegetation, and river levels.

Tom Bradshaw emphasized the necessity of ensuring water security as the foundation of food and national security. As measures to adapt the industry to future climate changes, the head of the NFU proposed that the government consider increasing investments in the creation of reservoirs and providing tax incentives to farmers for the construction of their own water storage systems. In his opinion, it is important to change the approach to water resource management to stop discharging water collected in winter into the North Sea.

Experts note that climate change is making weather cycles more unpredictable, and heatwaves more intense and frequent. This increases the probability that droughts will become longer and more destructive. Given the global nature of climate changes affecting food-supplying countries, there is a high probability of shortages occurring for a number of products.