UK Food Supply Vulnerable to Drought Due to Over-Reliance on High-Risk Regions
The UK's food supply is heavily reliant on regions prone to drought, according to a report by Rebalance Earth. The analysis found that 81% of England's fresh produce is concentrated in areas with moderate to very high risk of drought.
Major crops such as wheat (77%), barley (75%), oilseed rape (74%), sugar beet (70%), and potatoes (67%) are also grown in these high-risk areas. Rebalance Earth discovered that approximately a quarter of the country's staple crops are grown in regions facing an acute risk of drought.
The traditionally productive agricultural areas of East Anglia and Kent, often referred to as England's 'breadbasket' and 'garden', respectively, are among those facing significant pressure from drought. These regions have experienced prolonged periods of dry weather in recent years.