British farmers are warning they face the worst crisis in three generations, with some considering not planting any cereal crops this autumn for the first time. The oil price shock from the Iran conflict has doubled the cost of liquid natural gas, which in turn has massively increased fertiliser prices and fuel costs, while farm gate prices have barely moved.
Farmer Clive Bailey told GB News that governments have been far too slow to react to the agricultural impact of the energy crisis. Other countries have been more proactive in supporting their farmers, while UK producers are being squeezed from all sides with rising input costs and stagnant selling prices.
The warning carries global implications. If farmers across the UK and around the world make similar decisions not to plant, the consequences could be severe within 10 months. Bailey warned that food shortages and price inflation would follow, with developing countries bearing the brunt as richer nations outbid them for dwindling supplies.
Unlike manufacturing, farming operates on year-long cycles and cannot be turned on and off like a factory. The decisions made now about planting will determine food availability next year. Bailey urged the government to act immediately rather than waiting until it is too late, emphasising the fundamental message: no farmers, no food.