Further drought could cause shortage of certain foods, head of farmers' union says
The UK's National Farmers' Union has warned that ongoing drought conditions are threatening food security and crop yields. The union is calling for government investment in water storage infrastructure to mitigate future risks.
Why it matters
Climate-driven drought poses a direct threat to national food supplies and agricultural economic stability.
Image source, PA Image caption, Parched fields and meadows in Finedon, Northamptonshire
There could be a shortage of certain food products if the current drought conditions continue, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said yields of wheat and oats were "very, very poor" this year and warned livestock farmers have had to use their winter feed rations because they have been unable to grow grass.
Drought has been declared across large parts of England and the whole of Wales as successive heatwaves left water supplies under strain, with more than 20 million people now under hosepipe bans.
Amber heat health alerts have also been issued for large parts of England, including the Midlands, the South-East and the South West, until Wednesday.
Published 22 July 2025 Satellite images show impact of heatwaves and drought on UK landscape
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