Drought threatens England’s fruit and vegetable crop next year, says report

Low water levels at Colliford Lake in Cornwall. Consistent above-average rainfall is needed in autumn and winter to end the drought in England. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Farmers have warned they will not be able to grow crops next year if predictions that the drought will last until next summer prove accurate.

Leaked slides from a national drought group meeting, seen by the Observer, show there are concerns that because reservoirs are still empty due to record dry conditions, the fruit and vegetable supply chain could collapse.