British farmers warn of supply problems given the enormously increased prices. “I fear the country is sleepwalking into more food crises because the future of Britain’s fruit and vegetable supply is in trouble,” Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union, told the BBC on Tuesday.
The recent shortages on supermarket egg shelves in the UK – caused in part by a major bird flu outbreak – may have been just the beginning. Tomatoes, cucumbers and pears can also become scarce because their cultivation takes a lot of energy.
For decades, consumers in Britain have been accustomed to good quality food with high environmental and animal welfare standards at affordable prices. That is now in danger, Batters warned. The association called on the UK government to support farmers and breeders who have been hit hard by higher prices for fertiliser, feed, energy and fuel.
According to the PA news agency, the Ministry of Agriculture said food security is guaranteed because it is built on several pillars – in addition to domestic breeding, it also relies on imports.
Food prices in the UK have risen significantly. Higher energy, pet food and transportation costs pushed food inflation to a record 12.4 percent in November, according to the retail association BRC and market research firm Nielsen IQ.
(yam/sda/awp/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
