A climate risk model launched by IGD this week reveals that the UK food system is exposed to £2.6bn in additional food costs if current practices continue, driven by inflation and volatility.
The model, developed with consultants EY, has been designed to support business leaders and policymakers. The assessment addresses the mounting challenges climate change presents to the UK food system. Its purpose is to inform decisions on investment, foster collaboration, and shape policy efforts to secure the nation’s food supply through to 2050.
The analysis delves into three varying climate scenarios – Net Zero, delayed progress to Net Zero and Business as Usual. It evaluates how these pathways may influence the productivity and costs of ten essential commodities underpinning the country’s food security.
Offering practical insights for everyone involved in the food supply chain, IGD noted that the assessment marks an initial step towards building an open-access tool that empowers organisations to identify their exposure and respond effectively to climate-related risks.
The climate risk assessment identified five key findings:
- £2.6bn financial impact from Business as Usual. Maintaining Business as Usual exposes the UK to significant inflation, with additional costs of £2.6bn, equivalent to over 5.9% of annual food commodity costs. This further informs the business case for progressing to Net Zero, at pace.
- Imported horticulture is the greatest risk. The UK is heavily dependent on imports of fruit and vegetables, and these commodities are most vulnerable to climate change. Citrus, banana, and tomato face the greatest risk.
- Dietary shift with current sourcing could bring risk. Transitioning to healthy and sustainable diets can offset some risks, but increased fruit and vegetable consumption from current supply sources adds risk to an already vulnerable category.
- Supply from new provenances needed. The largest import-related cost risk comes from Spain, a key sourcing region. Future sourcing and investment strategies must be developed to mitigate risk and over-reliance on exposed regions. This validates the growth opportunity for UK horticulture.
- Domestic capacity must be maintained. Progress to net zero would make UK production more competitive as it benefits from improved growing conditions for wheat. UK productive capacity must be maintained to realise these benefits.
Sarah Bradbury, Chief Executive at IGD, commented: “The decisions made today across businesses, government, and consumers, will shape the UK food system’s resilience and success for the future. Building resilience is not only vital for the environment but also a commercial necessity. With growing volatility and scarce resources, ensuring a reliable food supply will provide a key competitive edge.
“By collaborating, adapting, and managing risks, the UK can secure a sustainable and robust food future for all. Our climate risk assessment with EY offers clear guidance for businesses to stress-test strategies, concentrate efforts where they matter most, and work with us to achieve a resilient food system.”
IGD noted that climate change is already reshaping the UK food system, with record-breaking heat, persistent flooding and water stress disrupting yields and driving up costs. “The challenges facing the sector are unprecedented, and they will intensify in the years ahead,” it said. “The UK was the first nation to set out a Net Zero Transition Plan for its food system, but this new climate risk assessment shows that immediate action is essential”.
