The United Kingdom is facing a significant downturn in food production due to record rainfall and unprecedented flooding over the past 18 months, described as the wettest on record. Farmers across the country, including North Yorkshire and those like Henry Ward, who has been flooded for six months, are reporting that the extreme weather conditions have led to the lowest crop yields in decades, with some experiencing their first 'year without harvest', with only about 10-15% of crops currently surviving. The heavy rains have not only damaged crops but also taken a mental toll on farmers, many of whom have seen decades of investment in soil health washed away. This situation has raised concerns about potential food shortages and the impact on inflation, as the FAO food price index remains markedly down. The crisis is being attributed to climate change, with increased attention on the need for climate action to address these emerging food security challenges.
Looming food shortages in UK due to a flood-soaked harvest. This is climate change and it's coming for all of us faster than you think. I know we've all silently agreed to ignore it, but what if ignoring it doesn't work? https://t.co/twcVBCWKiC
To all those in the UK just now beginning to realize how climate change threatens your local food supplies: *you are not alone* and this fact should be a huge concern. Demand climate action, now. See: https://t.co/C3i0yHBtMQ And for more context: https://t.co/Pv8yfZodW4 https://t.co/8QtB3zmghR https://t.co/lQt6tHe7sT
'We've been flooded for basically six months now, lost all my crops and we're still flooded now.' 'Britain's worst flooded' farmer, Henry Ward, speaks to @Nigel_Farage about the extent of the flooding on his farm and the implications it will have. https://t.co/ub6SLqRsBf
UK farmers: how has the weather affected food production? https://t.co/y2wlRVATRa
Prolonged wet weather taking mental toll on North Yorkshire farmers https://t.co/6n2PsZBZgi
A possible bump coming down the (farm) track for inflation? So far the FAO food price index is markedly down. But this could suggest the outlook isn't great... Farmers warn ‘crisis is building’ as record rainfall drastically reduces UK food production https://t.co/1odEVAKz0m
UK food production hit by excess rain because of climate change: bad news but good news to finally see the link being reported beyond the specialist press. It’s not yet Russia with flooded farm fields https://t.co/9cFP0d3Uyn
"record rainfall drastically reduces UK food production" https://t.co/kTnXFS6kJt
UK food production down after record rainfall, farmers say https://t.co/lPS3HtCm5a
🔴 Unprecedented flooding and wettest 18 months on record mean crop yields will be significantly down, with risk of food shortages Find out more ⬇️ https://t.co/rZ0sDgTGoR https://t.co/c46EvOj8B6
We’re looking at the first ‘year without harvest’ on my farm, with only c.10-15% currently cropped & surviving, but very low quality after winter. Heavy 🌧️ again today. Extreme weather overcoming decades of investment in healthier soils. A real crisis point & wake up call. https://t.co/B1whMIRXhd