Defra has said it is actively monitoring the developments in the Middle East and the impact on the food and farming sectors, including ongoing discussions with industry leaders to gather evidence. It has also fed our concerns into the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) which has now committed to monitoring the sale of fuel, including red diesel.
The NFU continues to hear anecdotal evidence of farmers and growers only being made aware of price increases for key inputs after they have been delivered on farm. Some members are reporting that they are being asked to pay 84% more for red diesel in addition to reports of issues with availability at a local level.
To ensure we have the strongest possible evidence base during this period of uncertainty, the NFU has launched a new reporting tool for members. This short online survey enables you to share the real prices you are seeing on the ground when purchasing key inputs, helping us build an accurate, up-to-date picture of market conditions across the country.
Your case studies will help us track market volatility in real time and strengthen NFU lobbying on behalf of all farm businesses, ensuring your experiences directly shape our conversations with government, suppliers and regulators.
We may discuss your responses as part of our lobbying work. Be assured that all responses provided will be anonymised and aggregated to ensure no individual can be identified.
Immense pressure
The NFU has welcomed news of the ceasefire between the US and Iran, but has warned that the conflict has had a significant impact on farming businesses.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “This ceasefire will be a relief for many across the world, not least for those in the middle of the conflict.
“The disruption to global oil and gas markets has already caused significant economic damage and put food-producing businesses, and the farmers and growers who provide the raw ingredients, under immense pressure. We will be watching how the situation develops very closely in the coming weeks.”
