“Climate Change Impact: England’s Second-Worst Harvest on Record Sparks Concerns for Food Security”

In Hampshire, England, the impact of wet weather brought on by climate change has resulted in the second-worst harvest on record, affecting various crops including wheat. The prolonged period of cold, wet weather from fall to early summer has had a significant impact on agricultural yields in the region.

According to a report by The Guardian, wine grape harvests in England have been reduced by 33% to 75% depending on the specific region, due to the adverse weather conditions. The World Weather Attribution has linked the increased intensity of rain in the UK from late 2023 to early 2024 to climate change, stating that it was 20% more intense as a result.

The UK Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reported that the wheat harvest in England for 2024 was approximately 10 million metric tons, marking a 22% decrease compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to both a decrease in wheat yield and a reduction in the area used for wheat farming.

Other major crops such as barley and oilseed rape also experienced declines in production. Winter barley harvest saw a 26% decrease, while spring barley harvest saw a 41% increase. Oilseed rape production declined significantly, with a 33% decrease in 2024 compared to 2023.

The production of wheat straw is also expected to decline further, with an estimated yield of 2.4 million metric tons, representing a 17% decrease. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) highlighted that England imports approximately half of its food, leading to increased costs when domestic harvests are poor.

ECIU estimated potential financial losses of £600 million ($784 million) on five key crops including wheat, winter barley, spring barley, oats, and oilseed rape. These crops collectively experienced a 15% decline compared to 2023 and an 18% decline compared to the 5-year average.

Tom Lancaster, a land, food, and farming analyst at ECIU, emphasized that climate change is the primary factor behind the poor harvest and its impacts on food security. He called for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the worsening effects of climate change on agriculture.

Farmers have expressed concerns over declining yields and extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which are affecting the 2024 harvests and raising worries for the upcoming 2025 season. Colin Chappell, an arable farmer in Lincolnshire, stressed the need for support and investment in sustainable agriculture to enhance resilience in the face of climate change threats.

As the agricultural sector in England grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, stakeholders are urged to prioritize sustainable practices and policies to safeguard food security and ensure the resilience of the farming industry in the future.