The UK government has held talks with farming leaders about the resilience of the country’s food supply chain as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy markets.
Department for environment, farming and rural affairs (DEFRA) secretary of state Emma Reynolds and farming minister Angela Eagle met representatives from the National Farmers’ Union to discuss potential pressures on the food system and rising costs for farmers.
During the meeting, Tom Bradshaw warned that disruption to global oil and gas markets is already affecting the price of key farm inputs such as fuel and fertiliser, which are widely used during spring planting and livestock production.
Bradshaw said farmers are facing growing uncertainty over the price and availability of these inputs, with some producers only being told the cost once products have been delivered to their farms.
He said the lack of transparency is making it harder for farmers to plan and manage their businesses at a time when many are preparing fields and crops for the growing season.
Related Story
“The secretary of state recognised that volatility in the global energy market has a huge impact on our food supply chains here, and they are watching this very closely,” Bradshaw said.
“It’s clear that transparency and fairness over fuel and fertiliser prices is critical, and we’ve been asking for this for a long time, regardless of market volatility. It’s particularly urgent as farmers and growers are busy getting crops in the ground and boosting grass growth ahead of spring grazing.”
Bradshaw added that uncertainty around prices means some farmers are unable to challenge costs before delivery, which he said limits their ability to make informed decisions.
“This limits their ability to make informed decisions and erodes trust,” he said.
He also warned that rising input costs could add further pressure to food prices if farmers struggle to absorb higher production expenses.
The NFU said it is monitoring developments in global commodity markets and is working with businesses and supply chain partners to understand the potential impact on UK agriculture.
Bradshaw said recent events underline the need to strengthen resilience in the UK farming sector so producers are better protected from global shocks.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
