Farmers warn shoppers face smaller and more expensive vegetables due to hot weather

Farmers are warning that the UK's harvest this year could be the worst on record due to the exceptionally dry spring and summer, which has led to a drought declaration across large parts of the country. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit estimates that the cereals and oilseed harvest could be 2.5 million tonnes less than earlier forecasts, marking the lowest levels since records began in 1984.

This could result in higher prices or smaller vegetables in supermarkets, a phenomenon known as "shrinkflation." Tim O Malley, chairman of Nationwide produce, described the situation as "as bad as its ever been" and said that consumers will likely feel the impact in the vegetable aisle, with grocers potentially swapping in smaller produce at the same price.

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