Arid weather could cause further food price rises

Food prices could rise even further this year, as a potential UK crop crisis brews.

Arable crops in the UK are suffering as a result of a record dry spell this spring, with some experts predicting that there could be a 30% yield loss compared with normal levels.

Wheat crops are among those affected, which could result in a rise not just in the price of wheat but also meat as a result of increasing feed costs.

While the UK market alone would not cause a rise in global wheat prices, arid weather across the rest of Europe, combined with freak events like tornadoes in the US, has meant that prices are likely to rise worldwide.

Speaking to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, Sean Rickard of Cranfield School of Management predicted a "rise in food prices" in Britain and beyond.

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By Neil Gerrard

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