Britain sleepwalking into a food crisis' without urgent action, experts say

Severe heat following a dry spring is straining UK farming, reducing crop yields as temperatures exceed tolerance levels. Livestock face heat stress, and wildfire risk is increasing. Economic losses are expected to reach hundreds of millions of pounds. Food prices were already projected to be about 50% higher by November than five years earlier, and further heatwaves could push inflationary pressure higher, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40C. Even if the Iran war ends quickly, fuel and fertiliser prices are likely to remain high until supply constraints through the Strait of Hormuz ease. Food experts call for updating the national food strategy to strengthen domestic production, improve preparedness for supply chain shocks, and ensure safe, affordable, healthy food access for all.

"Farmers are facing severe strain from the current heatwave following a dry spring, with many crops likely to yield less as temperatures rise beyond their tolerance. Livestock are also suffering heat stress and there is a rising risk of wildfires. Economic losses are likely to be measured in the hundreds of millions of pounds."

"Food prices were already on track to be 50% higher this November than they were five years ago, and the current weather with more heatwaves likely to follow in the summer, when temperatures could top 40C is adding to the inflationary pressure."

"Even if the Iran war is resolved soon, fuel and fertiliser prices will stay high until the supply crunch through the strait of Hormuz can be eased. Last week, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, floated the idea of voluntary price caps on staple foods, but was knocked back by supermarkets and opposition parties."

"They highlighted three priorities on which they said ministers should concentrate: resilient domestic production of healthier food; greater preparedness for supply chain shocks; and access for all to safe, affordable and healthy food. Tim Lang, a professor emeritus of food policy at City St George's, University of London, said the government's current strategy amounted to little more than business as usual and that warnings were not being he"

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