Farming leaders from across the UK have warned that growing global instability is placing increasing pressure on food production and farm businesses.
Representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union, National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland and NFU Cymru met in Newry on Friday to discuss the impact of rising costs and market uncertainty.
They said volatility in global energy markets, linked to tensions in the Middle East, is driving sharp fluctuations in the cost and availability of essential inputs such as red diesel and fertiliser.
In a joint statement, 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.
“Of particular concern is the lack of transparency in how prices for key agricultural inputs are set.
“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.
“We welcome moves by regulators to increase monitoring of fuel and fertiliser markets, but more must be done to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability across the supply chain.”
The unions are calling for coordinated action from governments across the UK to address the growing risks.
They are seeking greater transparency in pricing, closer monitoring of supply chains and stronger support to improve resilience within the agricultural sector.
There are also calls for clarity on future policy, including how measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could affect agricultural inputs.
Union leaders said the current situation highlights how exposed domestic food production is to global shocks.
They warned that without action, farmers could be left carrying disproportionate risk, with consequences for food security and economic stability.
In a further statement, the unions said:
“Global political tensions are increasingly exposing the vulnerability of UK food production to external shocks.
“It is essential that governments work with the industry to build resilience and ensure that farmers are not left bearing disproportionate risk.
“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.
“We are ready to collaborate constructively with governments to tackle both the immediate challenges and the longer-term implications of this crisis.”
The warning comes at a time when food production and supply chains are under growing scrutiny, with wider economic pressures already affecting households across the UK.
