UK statutory levy board steering farming and horticulture policy
The UK faces renewed food-security concerns as heatwaves and drought push down cereal and oilseed harvests. Experts warn of higher prices and greater reliance on imports, with farmers cutting yields and livestock costs rising. Officials say the situation is likely to worsen into the autumn and into next year.
The government has announced new measures to help farmers manage drought, including a £65m fund for on-farm reservoirs and a raised Sustainable Farming Incentive budget. The move aims to ease water shortages, support livestock feeding, and back environmental work as hot, dry conditions persist.
The Independent and The Guardian report stronger berry yields this season, aided by hot weather and advanced irrigation. BBG warns some crops face late-season slowdowns; dairy and cereals show pressure from drought. The industry emphasizes water security and investment in reservoirs and drip irrigation.
UK shop price inflation has risen to a two-year high in August, with energy-driven food costs and AI-driven demand for memory chips lifting prices. Non-food items also rose as energy costs filter through supply chains. The rise follows earlier declines and signals pressure on households ahead of autumn.