Dismissed as a joke, UK's first rice crop ripe for picking after hot summer
6 hours ago
- #agriculture
- #sustainability
- #climate-change
- Nadine Mitschunas is the UK's first and only rice-grower, conducting an experiment in east England.
- The rice crop is thriving due to the UK's hottest summer on record, with nine varieties being tested, including risotto, basmati, and sushi rice.
- The project, led by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), explores future food production under climate change.
- Rice cultivation could become viable in the UK if temperatures rise by 2-4°C, aligning with climate change projections.
- The experiment also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by re-wetting peat soils, which currently contribute 3% of UK emissions.
- Farmers Craig and Sarah Taylor are involved in the trial, seeing it as a way to adapt to unpredictable weather and secure their legacy.
- Other waterlogged crops like lettuce and hybrid willow are also being tested for their environmental benefits.
- Initial results suggest rice cultivation on peat soils may not increase overall greenhouse gas emissions.
- The UK government is monitoring the project as a potential model for sustainable agriculture.
- UK-grown rice could become a reality within the next decade, offering a new domestic food source.