Waitrose has reported that the autumn harvest is arriving two weeks early due to drought conditions. Farmers supplying the supermarket are already harvesting wheat, oilseed rape, oats, and malting barley ahead of schedule. The lack of rainfall, combined with hot weather, has accelerated crop growth and maturation.
Environment Agency data shows that 80% of England's river flows are below normal and continue to drop. England received just 1mm of rain in August so far, with South-east England receiving only 2mm, or 3% of the long-term average. The Met Office is on track to record one of the warmest summers since 1884.
Thomas Adami, farming operations manager at Leckford Farm, explained that drought stress caused plants to race through growth stages. However, regenerative farming practices, such as cover crops and integrating livestock, have helped maintain soil organic matter and water-holding capacity, mitigating some effects.
Waitrose expects apples and berries to appear on shelves up to two weeks early. However, vegetables requiring more water, like carrots, potatoes, and brassicas, are suffering. Broccoli yields have been cut by over 50%, and shoppers are advised to expect smaller vegetables. The British Growers Association reports tight supplies of brassicas.
Rachel Hallos, vice-president of the National Farmers' Union, highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their impact on food production. She called for investment in climate adaptation, resilient crop varieties, and water infrastructure. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns the UK is tracking towards its sixth- or seventh-worst harvest in 40 years.
England faces a nationally significant water shortfall, with dry conditions expected to persist into October. Five areas—Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands, and West Midlands—are officially in drought.
