The British sector warns of a real threat to the security of supply
United Kingdom
Wednesday 14 December 2022
FJ
NFU is calling on the government for immediate action to support UK food production and ensure local food supply (Photo: nfuonline.com).
Since 2019, the price of gas has risen by 650%, according to Ofgem, with nitrogen fertilizers up 240% and agricultural diesel up 73% according to AHDB data. These costs weigh on production, which has already declined:
Tomato production is expected to reach 68,000 tons in 2022 compared to the country producing 92,000 tons of tomatoes in 1985; cucumber production is expected to reach just 55,000 tonnes in 2022, compared to the country's 67,000 tonnes in 1985.
NFU (National Farmers' Union) brings together over 46,000 agricultural businesses in England and Wales. At a recent press conference, NFU President Minette Batters urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to honor his pledges to support UK farmers during the energy crisis and to set a target for food security in the country.
Many growers in England and Wales have already reduced production by 20-30% in 2022. Further reduction is expected for 2023 because some growers are now considering stopping fruit and vegetable production.
NFU is calling on the government for immediate action to support UK food production and ensure a local food supply. The threat of a shortage of products is real, and after the egg sector, other agricultural sectors are likely to experience serious supply problems.
source : nfuonline.com