Waitrose has announced its earliest ever harvest of wheat and oilseed rape because of the impact recent heatwaves have had on crops, amid concerns over food shortages.
The supermarket, which owns and operates the Leckford Estate in Hampshire, said scorching temperatures have caused crops to ripen faster than usual.
Farm manager calls heat a 'stark wake-up call'
Dave Miles, farm manager at the Leckford Estate, said the heat and its impact serve as a 'stark wake-up call' about the impact of climate change.
Miles told the Grocery Gazette: “The record-breaking heat we are experiencing is a stark wake-up call to our changing climate. Due to these unprecedented temperatures, this is the earliest wheat harvest we have ever seen, and our teams have been working tirelessly to bring the crop in safely.”
He added: “It is a powerful reminder of why regenerative farming and farming with nature is so essential. By building healthier soil with high organic matter, we can dramatically increase water retention, keeping crops viable even in extreme drought conditions.”
Wider impact on UK and EU crops
The UK is not alone in facing food stock concerns. Following recent conditions across Europe, an estimated 9 million tonnes of crops across the UK and EU were destroyed. This could lead to food shortages, with countries potentially producing their smallest harvest since 2018. A lack of produce is also likely to drive up costs for consumers.
Paul Tompkins, Deputy President at the National Farmers Union, said: “Farmers and growers across the country are working around the clock to harvest crops which have come early, keep fruit and vegetables watered, and care for their livestock. Parts of the country, particularly in the east and south, have seen exceptionally low rainfall this spring and summer, creating real challenges for farm businesses. For many arable farmers, this could be another difficult and expensive harvest after extreme weather impacts in both 2024 and 2025 which saw both drought and flood.”
Leckford Estate and regenerative farming
Waitrose's Leckford Estate spans 2,800 acres and is used as a trial area for sustainable farming practices to ensure the supermarket's commitment to regenerative agriculture. Last year, Waitrose invested £1 million and launched a new collaboration with the Soil Association Exchange and Regenified to develop its support for regenerative farming practices. The estate has been practising regenerative agriculture methods since 2020.
