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Drought-hit Britain heads for worst cereal harvest in four decades
Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says hot, dry weather could cut cereal and oilseed output by 2.5 million tonnes and cost farmers £390 million.
- Britain's 2026 cereal harvest is on track to be the worst since 1984, according to an analysis published Wednesday, with projections reaching 19.5 million tonnes.
- Record-Breaking heatwaves in May and June, followed by the driest July on record for England and Wales, triggered crop decline; farmers described the pattern as 'weather whiplash.'
- The exceptionally hot and dry conditions slashed the harvest by 2.5 million tonnes, costing farmers up to £390 million. Wheat yields averaged 6.8 tonnes per hectare, well below the 10-year average, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board .
- Earlier this week, the National Farmers' Union warned Britain could face food shortages and called for tax breaks to improve water storage. Last week, more than 100 organizations urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to prioritize food security.
- Tom Lancaster, a land, food, and farming analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit , warned of a "climate doom loop" as the green and pleasant land transforms into a parched landscape; four of the five worst harvests since 1984 have occurred this decade.
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'Brutal' harvest could be worst on record - here's what it means for UK's food production
The dire forecast has sparked calls to factor domestic food production into the current debate about Britain's national security, as it currently relies on imports for 40% of all food consumed.
·United Kingdom
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Evening Standard+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
‘Brutal’ harvest could be worst on record because of extreme summer – analysis
Much of the UK has experienced extremely dry and hot conditions this year.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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