United Kingdom: The National Farmers Union of UK has warned that the government risks “sleepwalking” into a food supply crisis unless it provides crucial support for British farmers struggling with the soaring cost of fuel, fertilizer and feed.
Based on the statements from the union, rising costs may lead to supply problems for energy-intensive crops including tomatoes, cucumbers and pears, which are on track for their lowest yields since records began in 1985 , as well as rationing at supermarkets.
Shoppers up and down the country have for decades had a guaranteed supply of high-quality, affordable food produced to some of the highest animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards in the world.
Mrs. Minette Batters, President of NFU, claimed.
The President added that, “We have already seen the egg supply chain crippled under the pressure caused by these issues, and I fear the country is sleepwalking into further food supply crises, with the future of British fruit and vegetable supplies in trouble.”
Ms. Batters urged the UK Prime Minister Mr, Rishi Sunak to honor the commitments he made to support British farmers through the energy crisis and to set a target for the nation’s food security.
According to the union, milk prices will also probably fall below the cost of production, and beef farmers were considering whether to reduce the number of cows they raised for slaughter in light of rising expenses.
The union is demanding for state support for farmers, who were forced out of business since the COVID outbreak, noting that the UK had lost about 7,000 agricultural businesses since 2019.