Vegetables to get smaller and more expensive due to hot weather, farmers warn

Farming experts warn UK crops will shrink in size and cost more due to a scorching summer. England and Wales recorded their driest July on record, with a drought declared in many regions. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit predicts cereal and oilseed harvests could be 2.5 million tonnes lower than expected, the worst since 1984.

Tim O Malley, chairman of Nationwide produce, expects shoppers to see smaller vegetables at the same price or higher prices, a phenomenon known as "shrinkflation." The drought and heatwaves have shrunk barley, oats, and rapeseed crops, which are crucial for beer, breakfast cereals, and vegetable oil, and for feeding livestock. The harvest is estimated to drop to just 19.5 million tonnes, costing farmers £390 million in lost revenue.

Farmers and millers are seeking additional water sources for their crops and livestock amid the low rainfall, but the situation is dire, with half of England and all of Wales declared in drought conditions. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and severe heatwaves, exacerbating water shortages for farmers.