Suffolk farmers warn of falling food production as costs push industry to “breaking point”
Fuel has doubled and fertiliser prices have surged, forcing some to cut back on essential crop inputs.
A Suffolk farmer has warned food production could fall as rising costs push the industry towards a “breaking point”.
Russell Abbott, who farms near Ipswich and is a member of East Anglian Farmers Unite, said sharp increases in key inputs are forcing farmers to cut back on essential practices.
He said fuel costs have doubled, while fertiliser prices have risen by around a third, alongside increases in machinery and servicing costs.
Mr Abbott said those pressures are already changing how farms operate.
“We are putting less fertiliser on, which means we’re taking yield losses,” he said. “There will be less food grown.”
Reduced yields and long-term impact
He said farmers are cutting back on fertiliser, reducing crop treatments and delaying machinery upgrades in order to stay afloat.
Those changes, he warned, could have longer-term consequences for productivity.
“We’re trying to save money wherever we can, but that comes at a cost,” he said.
Wider pressures across the sector
The comments come as farmers across the UK face sustained financial pressure from rising input costs, volatile global markets and changes to agricultural support following Brexit.
Industry groups have also highlighted the impact of extreme weather, labour shortages and supply chain challenges.
Mr Abbott said many farmers are now relying on personal savings to keep their businesses running.
“Many of us are putting our own finances into the farm just to keep going,” he said.
Calls for urgent action
He said while there have been discussions with policymakers, farmers are yet to see meaningful intervention.
“There’s a lot of talk, but nothing being put into action,” he said.
Mr Abbott warned that without urgent support, the long-term consequences could extend beyond the farming sector.
“If we lose our farmers, we risk losing our ability to produce food in this country,” he said.
We've contacted the government for a response.