From global conflict to your plate: farmers sound alarm on rising costs

Pictured are the four UK farming union presidents, Andrew Connon, NFU Scotland, Tom Bradshaw, NFU, William Irvine, UFU and Abi Reader, NFU Cymru pictured at today’s Summit.

Geopolitical tensions thousands of miles away are now hitting home for UK farmers — and the consequences could soon be felt on dinner tables across the country.

Farming leaders from across the UK gathered in Newry for urgent talks, warning that escalating global instability — particularly in the Middle East — is driving sharp volatility in energy markets, pushing up the cost of vital farming inputs and putting pressure on food production.

Mounting pressure on farm businesses

In a rare joint statement, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland and NFU Cymru said farm businesses are facing growing uncertainty as fuel and fertiliser prices fluctuate unpredictably.

They warned that rising costs for essentials such as red diesel and fertiliser are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to plan ahead — squeezing already tight margins and threatening long-term sustainability.

The unions said:

“Farm businesses across the UK are facing increasing pressure as a result of global events beyond their control. Volatility in fuel and fertiliser markets is creating real uncertainty at farm level, with implications for food production, supply chains and ultimately consumers.”

Lack of transparency deepens uncertainty

A key concern raised by union leaders is the lack of transparency in how prices for critical agricultural inputs are set.

Farmers, they say, are often expected to commit to major purchases without clear or timely pricing information — a situation that leaves them exposed to sudden cost increases.

“Many farmers are being asked to commit to purchases without clear or timely information, making it extremely difficult to plan and manage already tight margins,” the statement added.

While regulators have begun increasing monitoring of fuel and fertiliser markets, the unions insist more decisive action is needed to ensure fairness and accountability.

Calls for coordinated UK-wide action

The four unions are now urging governments across the UK to take coordinated steps to protect the sector and strengthen food production resilience.

Their key demands include:

• Greater transparency in pricing for red diesel and fertiliser

• Stronger oversight of supply chains to ensure fair market practices

• Measures to improve resilience within the agricultural sector

• Clear guidance on future policies, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its potential impact

Why it matters for Northern Ireland

For farming communities across Northern Ireland, including in areas surrounding Ballymena, the warning carries particular weight.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, and rising input costs could have a ripple effect — from farm viability to food prices in shops.

The unions cautioned that global instability is exposing just how vulnerable UK food production is to external shocks.

“A stable and sustainable farming sector is essential for the UK’s food security, economic stability and environmental goals, but this can only be achieved if farm businesses are profitable. Profitability underpins everything.”

A critical moment for food resilience

With uncertainty continuing to grip global markets, farming leaders say the time for action is now.

They stressed their willingness to work with governments but warned that without meaningful intervention, farmers risk being left to shoulder disproportionate financial risk — with consequences that could extend far beyond the farm gate.

“We are ready to collaborate constructively with governments to tackle both the immediate challenges and the longer-term implications of this crisis.”

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At a glance

• UK farming unions met in Newry to address global instability impacts

• Rising fuel and fertiliser costs are increasing pressure on farms

• Volatility linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East

• Farmers face uncertainty due to lack of pricing transparency

• Concerns over impact on food production and supply chains

• Calls for government action to improve fairness and resilience

• Key focus on red diesel, fertiliser pricing, and supply chain monitoring

• Warning that UK food security is vulnerable to external shocks

• Local farming communities could feel economic and cost impacts

• Unions say profitability is essential to sustain food production