Home / Environment / Climate Change Hits Farmers, UK Food Supply
Climate Change Hits Farmers, UK Food Supply
8 Jun
Summary
- Heat stress causes significant lost work hours for farmers globally.
- Developing nations supply 13% of UK food imports worth billions.
- Food security for the UK is at risk due to climate change impacts.
UK food imports are under significant pressure due to climate change, with agricultural workers in poorer nations facing severe heat stress. These workers cultivate essential supermarket staples, including rice, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
An analysis revealed that developing countries, which are most exposed to weather extremes, supplied 13% of the UK's food imports, valued at £8.9 billion in 2025. Farmers in the 15 top supplying countries lost an estimated 216 billion potential work hours in 2024 due to heat stress.
This situation is expected to worsen, with an 80% likelihood of a warming "El Nino" event potentially making 2027 the hottest year on record. The ECIU highlights that lost work hours due to heat exposure have significantly increased compared to the 1990s.
Experts warn that unless farmers, both in the UK and abroad, are supported to adopt more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, the UK's food security is at risk. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate finance for smallholder farmers are crucial adaptations.
The government stated its commitment to protecting food security through domestic production, investment in technology, and increased water supply infrastructure.
