Heatwave Hits Britain's Food Supply, Milk Prices Rise

Britain's relentless heatwave is causing food prices to rise as drought-hit dairy farmers produce millions fewer litres of milk. The combination of poor harvests and reduced imports from mainland Europe, also affected by extreme heat and drought, has raised fears that food inflation could return after months of easing.

The National Farmers' Union says the prolonged hot and dry weather has dramatically reduced grass growth, leaving dairy farmers with less grazing for cows and pushing up feed costs. NFU Dairy Board chairman Ian Harvey said the conditions had 'severely restricted grass growth and diminished pasture quality, with 18.5 million litres wiped off milk yields in recent weeks.'

The dairy squeeze comes as Britain's wider food production is also under intense strain. England received just 8% of its average July rainfall, according to the Met Office, and much of the country has endured repeated heatwaves.