Climate change could lead to a global food shortage, farming bosses have warned.
The UK’s agriculture industry must adapt to the situation, according to the National Farmers’ Union, which said the country is in danger of losing skills and land which could be vital for the future.
The NFU has issues a report which warns 60 per cent of the UK’s best farmland is five metres or less above sea level, making it vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
The union is now calling on the government to create a cross-departmental climate change minister to focus on the issues.
The NFU's Peter Kendall said unpredictable weather patterns could mean the loss of some food sources.
Increasingly unpredictable patterns might mean the UK could no longer rely on other countries to supply it with food, he said, adding that the UK must take farming food and biofuels far more seriously.
The NFU report, published today, said that as scientists predict sea levels will rise as the world warms up, UK farms could have to spend a lot of money on flood defences to maintain their land.
At the same time, rising oil prices may mean it is no longer cost effective to bring in food from abroad, and far more will have to be produced in the UK.
Tim Bennett, NFU president, said: "It is clear from this document that urgent action is needed. It confirms that even in the short-term the impact of climate change on farming and growing will be profound. But there are holes in our knowledge that need to be filled. If we are to rise to the challenge of adapting to climate change and indeed capitalise on the opportunities then we need a much better idea of what is coming.
"A driving force is needed to encourage research into the right areas and to work across all aspects of industry and government to ensure that coordinated action is taken to combat global warming. We believe the government has a responsibility in this area and that a dedicated, cross-departmental minister must be appointed to take a lead."
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