UK berry growers are reporting a bumper harvest despite a summer marked by record heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Investment in polytunnels, water storage and drip irrigation has helped protect high-value berry crops, offering a contrast with significant losses in other parts of British agriculture.

With about two-thirds of the crop picked, berry volumes are 6% higher than 2025’s already strong yield, especially for blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. Late-season strawberries may slow as plants become exhausted, while blackcurrant output is expected to fall 10%; meanwhile wheat yields are 13% below the five-year average and spring barley is forecast to be about a quarter lower. Around 40% of berry producers still lack reservoirs or licensed boreholes, leaving some vulnerable to water restrictions during drought.