Overview

• Defra figures show arable income fell by £1.19bn in 2024 after extreme wet and stormy weather produced the third-worst harvest on record.
• ECIU analysis reveals the UK experienced its hottest spring since the 19th century and driest in over 50 years, putting wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape yields near historic lows.
• The Environment Agency has declared a drought in north-west England and warns of spreading water shortages without sustained rainfall.
• Farmers and environmentalists say nature-friendly measures—such as healthy soils and natural pest controls—are vital for resilience but risk losing support in the upcoming spending review.
• Farming minister Daniel Zeichner has pledged a £5bn budget for sustainable food production and appointed Baroness Minette Batters to propose reforms to bolster long-term food security.