Stories

Wed, 08 Apr 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 'Even if Iran war ends now, farmers' costs will have to be passed on'

Despite a ceasefire, the Iran war will continue to affect farmers' costs and therefore food prices.
The UK farming industry is already facing a "cost of farming squeeze" after being hit by a 30% increase in production costs last year due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. New figures show that farm running costs are over 7% higher this March compared to last March, with inflation expected to reach at least 9% by the end of the year. Farmers such as Ali Capper and Ben Savidge say they cannot absorb these extra costs and will have to pass them on to consumers through food price increases. The National Farmers Union has warned that farmers are facing a "perfect storm" of high fuel, fertiliser and labour costs, which could lead to food shortages and higher prices for consumers. The UK government has been urged to take action to help the farming industry, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to be toll-free and unhindered. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that fully reopening the Strait would help "stabilise" prices in the UK.