UK vegetable growers struggle as drought and heat curb yields, spur imports

Extreme weather and water scarcity are pushing UK food prices sharply higher and forcing retailers to source lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes from Spain during the peak domestic growing season.

First covered Aug 1, 2026 · 4:00 AM PT · 1 article

UK vegetable growers struggle as drought and heat curb yields, spur imports — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

2d Guardian Environment ‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops — Growers in dismay after scorching weather and lack of rain affect yields, sending wholesale prices rocketing Pubs, restaurants and supermarkets are having to…

Related coverage

22h Guardian Environment Britain could face food shortages as drought continues, farmers warn

More coverage from around the web

aol.co.uk ‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops - AOL

aol.co.uk Shortage warning for two popular food items after relentless UK heatwaves - AOL

timesandstar.co.uk Sainsbury’s to increase British salad produce amid drought fears abroad | Times and Star

pressreader.com Snowfall in Spain hits stores’ salad

aol.com Supermarkets face shortage of carrots and cauliflower ‘within weeks’

Appeared in: 2026-08-03 (#15)

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