Britain Is Heading for Its Worst Grain Harvest Since 1984

Britain is on course for its worst cereal harvest since comparable records began in 1984, according to an analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, after exceptionally hot and dry weather damaged crops.

England recorded its warmest June on record, while England and Wales experienced their driest July.

Preliminary estimates suggest that cereal and oilseed production could be up to 2.5 million metric tons lower than previously forecast, costing arable farmers as much as £390m ($524m) in lost revenue.

Estimated yields for wheat, spring barley and oats are all down, with wheat well below the 10-year average. If current yields hold, total cereal and oilseed production will reach about 19.5 million metric tons, making 2026 the worst harvest since detailed records began.

The National Farmers’ Union has also warned of possible shortages of some foods and called for tax breaks to support investment in water storage.

(Reuters, mja)