The report says the vast majority of the UK’s essential foods, such as cereals, potatoes, sugar and oil, are grown in areas of England with a moderate to very high risk of drought.

The analysis by nature-focused investment fund Rebalance Earth, reported by The Guardian, also found that 81% of England’s fresh produce is grown in areas already experiencing water stress.

The report shows the share of each crop grown in areas considered at moderate to very high risk of drought:

• Wheat (77%)
• Barley (75%)
• Oilseed rape (74%)
• Sugar beet (70%)
• Potatoes (67%)

Meanwhile, it says a quarter of the country’s staple crops are grown in areas facing an acute risk of drought, rasising concerns over future crop yields the UK’s food security.

This comes as the the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)’s final harvest report of 2026 described cereal yields in England and Wales as disappointing.