UK Braces for One of Worst Harvests on Record Amid Climate Extremes

As of August 22nd, 2025, the UK is bracing for one of its worst harvests on record, with crop yields expected to plummet due to a severe drought that has hit the country. According to an analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the UK could see its fifth worst harvest since detailed records began in 1984.

The anticipated poor output marks a second difficult year for farmers, following the third worst UK harvest on record in 2024. Last year, extreme rainfall made worse by climate change also severely impacted farmers' ability to establish and manage their crops.

Tom Lancaster, ECIU's land, food and farming analyst, warns that "This is what farming in a changing climate looks like, with huge implications for our farmers, food production and UK food security." He emphasizes the urgent need for more support to help farmers adapt to these climate extremes, including investing in healthier soils and other green farming measures that can boost resilience.

Lancaster stresses that the "only real insurance against these climate impacts wrecking future harvests is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero," which he says should now be viewed as a priority for the UK's long-term food security.