Farm Unions Warn of Rising Costs Amid Global Instability

Leaders from the UK’s four main farming unions have issued a stark warning over the growing impact of global instability on farm businesses.
Representatives from NFU Scotland, the National Farmers Union, Ulster Farmers Union and NFU Cymru met in Newry on Friday to discuss mounting pressures linked to international tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, the unions highlighted increasing volatility in energy markets, which is driving fluctuations in the cost and availability of key farming inputs such as red diesel and fertiliser.
They warned that farmers are facing significant uncertainty, with rising costs placing further strain on already tight margins.
Farm businesses across the UK are under increasing pressure due to global events beyond their control, the statement said. Volatility in fuel and fertiliser markets is creating real uncertainty at farm level, with implications for food production, supply chains and ultimately consumers.
A key concern raised was the lack of transparency around pricing, with many farmers being asked to commit to purchases without clear or timely information.
The unions welcomed steps by regulators to increase monitoring of these markets but said further action is needed to ensure fairness and accountability across the supply chain.
They are now calling on governments across the UK to take coordinated action, including improving transparency in pricing, strengthening supply chain resilience and providing greater clarity on future policies.
This includes potential changes linked to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could affect the cost of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser.
Union leaders stressed that global political tensions are exposing the vulnerability of the UK’s food production system to external shocks.
They added: 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.
The unions said they remain ready to work with governments to address both the immediate challenges and the longer-term risks facing the sector.