The UK is in the grip of a severe drought. England and Wales received only 9-10% of their normal rainfall in July, and for England it was the driest July since records began in 1836. A fifth heatwave has just been forecast. This is the shape of things to come and is what climate scientists have long predicted.

The drought’s length and severity are affecting UK agriculture and food production. This follows other shocks to the system, such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, that have already fuelled food price inflation. Impacts are now front page news. Crucially, concern is shifting from cost alone to the security of food supply. Inflation hits the poorest people hardest but supply disruption can affect everyone.

Drought also hits wildlife. River and lake ecosystems are stressed by heat and low levels of water, while wildfires damage habitats. Pollinating insects, fish and reptiles, bird and mammals all suffer.

Farm finances are now under the spotlight. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board estimates below ten-year average yields for wheat, spring barley and oats, with wheat – a crucial crop for farmers –........

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