Warning: Harvest 'on a knife edge'

BRITAIN'S arable harvest is “on a knife edge” after the driest spring since Queen Victoria's reign, farmers have warned.

- By Steph Spyro DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

Even after this wet and windy week-end, the production of wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape could be near all-time lows, which might lead to increased prices in supermarkets later this year.

Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, said crops are “on a knife edge”.

He added: “Crops are already showing signs of stress and variable growth, with dry soils and poor grass growth hitting both arable and livestock farms hard.

“Some farms have seen very welcome rain in recent weeks but this won't offset the damage done earlier in the season — harvests this year will suffer as a result.

“The UK can grow plenty of food but only if we invest in healthier soils, cleaner water and stronger resilience to floods and droughts.