- Droughts and heatwaves are causing poor harvests for traditional British crops, prompting farmers to adapt to a "new normal" due to climate change.
- Experts suggest that warmer temperatures could enable the UK to cultivate crops typically found in Mediterranean climates, such as olives, grapes, sweet potatoes, and chillies.
- The British wine industry is already experiencing benefits from the warmer weather, leading to improved grape ripening and enhanced flavour profiles.
- Legumes like soya, chickpeas, and lentils, previously imported, are also showing viability for domestic small-scale production.
- Despite these new opportunities, experts caution that increased weather volatility means a reactive approach is insufficient, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to improve agricultural infrastructure and crop diversity.
IN FULL
