Food Foundation Warns UK of Climate-Driven Food Price Shocks

The Food Foundation charity released a report warning that the United Kingdom is highly vulnerable to food price shocks because it relies heavily on fruit and vegetable imports from countries exposed to climate change. While the UK maintains self-sufficiency in meat, dairy, and grains, it imports 47% of its vegetables and 80% of its fruit. The report notes that 90% of the top 20 countries supplying the UK with healthy staples are moderately to severely vulnerable to climate breakdown.

Industry groups and the charity are calling on the government to invest in climate adaptation for farmers within its upcoming horticulture sector growth plan. The British Apples and Pears trade body specifically demanded policy certainty regarding water management, energy costs, and access to the seasonal workers scheme to encourage domestic production.

These warnings align with forecasts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change regarding heat stress and lower crop yields across the Americas, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. Additionally, the Cold Chain Federation highlighted that extreme weather, cyber-attacks, and fuel shortages further threaten the stability of UK food supplies.