Recent months of record-breaking rainfall have severely impacted food production in the UK, according to farming groups. Fields have been inundated since last autumn, with significant consequences for both crops and livestock.
The UK has experienced an exceptionally wet 18 months, with the Met Office reporting 1,695.9mm of rain from October 2022 to March 2024—the highest amount for any 18 months on record. This unprecedented rainfall is causing a sharp reduction in food production.
The UK will need to rely more heavily on wheat imports in the coming year due to drastically reduced yields. Prices for bread and other grain-based products are already climbing and are expected to rise further, as indicated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Wheat production has decreased by 15% since November, marking the largest reduction in cropped areas since 2020.
Farmers face a crisis as extreme weather harms crops and drives up prices.Similarly, oilseed rape and winter barley have seen significant reductions, down 28% and 22% respectively. The waterlogged soil is likely to produce poor-quality crops, with some crops potentially failing altogether.
David Eudall from AHDB forecasts a potential drop in wheat production from around 14 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes or less. This could lead to increased imports to meet demand for bread and animal feed, further exposing the market to global trade fluctuations.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has reported that the relentless rain and unusually low spring temperatures are also affecting livestock farming, with a concerning attrition rate for lambs.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos warns that the crisis is mounting, with farmers facing immense pressure and consumers likely to feel the impact through reduced produce availability.
In response, the government has introduced a farming recovery fund offering grants of £500 to £25,000 to help farmers repair damage from extreme weather, including Storm Henk.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer acknowledged the difficulties faced by farmers and emphasized the importance of this support in restoring land and enhancing flood resilience.