UK relies on heat-stressed countries for fruit and veg it could grow itself – report
A new report from the Food Foundation warns that the UK's high reliance on imported fruits and vegetables makes it vulnerable to climate-related price shocks. As domestic production struggles with extreme weather, the country remains dependent on regions facing even greater climate instability.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of climate change and food security, suggesting that the UK's current supply chain model is increasingly unsustainable.
Heat-damaged tomato plants wilt in the sun in Leonding, Austria. Heat-damaged tomato plants wilt in the sun in Leonding, Austria. Climate crisis UK relies on heat-stressed countries for fruit and veg it could grow itself – report Food Foundation sounds alarm over supply risks and price shocks as about 40% of Britain’s food is imported
Prefer the Guardian on Google The UK is vulnerable to food price shocks because of its dependence on imports of fruit and vegetable from countries even more exposed to the climate crisis, researchers say.
Much of Britain has sweltered under a record five heatwaves this year and endured drought and wildfires, with the hot, dry conditions damaging crops and reducing yields of domestic produce .
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