Drought risk threatens much of England’s essential food production
Most of the UK’s essential food supply is produced in English regions facing moderate to very high drought risk, according to analysis by Rebalance Earth. The findings matter because worsening water stress could reduce harvests, disrupt supply chains and push up food prices, particularly in highly productive areas such as East Anglia and Kent.
About 81% of England’s fresh produce is grown in water-stressed areas, while 77% of wheat, 75% of barley, 74% of oilseed rape, 70% of sugar beet and 67% of potatoes come from regions exposed to at least moderate drought risk. Around a quarter of staple crops face acute drought risk, and the 2026 cereal harvest in England and Wales was below historic averages; one Suffolk estate said it had experienced drought conditions in three of the past five years.
- Most essential crops are grown in drought-risk areas.
- Water stress threatens yields, supplies and food prices.
- Cereal harvests are already below historic averages.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Most of UK’s essential food supply grown in drought-risk areas, report warns”.