The ongoing drought and summer heat in the UK have severely impacted agriculture, leading to crop shortages and sharp increases in food prices, reports The Guardian.
Due to insufficient harvests, restaurants, supermarkets, and food suppliers have been forced to import thousands of tons of vegetables and broccoli from Spain and the Netherlands. Farmers report that the heat and lack of rainfall have significantly reduced yields.
As a result, wholesale prices for tomatoes have risen by 60%, iceberg lettuce by 90%, and potatoes by more than 40%.
More than 100 companies, including the country’s major food retailers, have sent an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for a reduction in reliance on imports and strengthening the country’s food security.
Recently, a drought was officially declared in half of England. According to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, only 7% of expected rainfall fell in July, with just 1% in the south of the country. The meteorological service also reported that the average temperature was 3°C above normal. The next day, a drought regime was also established in Wales.
