Food shortages predicted after farmers hit by record rainfall

The UK faces food shortages and price rises as extreme weather linked to climate breakdown causes low yields on farms locally and abroad, industry experts say.

Record rainfall has meant farmers in many parts of Britain have been unable to plant crops, and those that have been planted are of poor quality, with some rotting in the ground.

The persistent wet weather has also meant a high mortality rate for lambs, while some dairy herds have been unable to be put out to grass, meaning they will produce less milk.

Agricultural groups have said the UK will be more reliant on imports, but similarly wet conditions in European countries such as France and Germany, as well as drought in Morocco, could mean there is less food available to import. Economists have warned this could mean higher prices at supermarkets.

Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers’ Union, said markets had “collapsed” owing to the punishing conditions. He added: “We’re going to be importing a lot more product this year.”

One major retailer said the wholesale price of potatoes was up 60% year on year, as much of the crop had rotted in the ground. Yields of carrots and parsnips are also much lower than usual.

Martin Lines, the chief executive of Nature Friendly Farming Network, said: “Farmers are already facing delays in planting, with many fields in poor condition. If planting occurs at all, it will likely be late, potentially leading to a shortage of root vegetables and potatoes this winter.”