The Manx National Farmers’ Union says soaring fuel and fertiliser costs are already forcing some farmers into drastic decisions.
This includes farmers selling fertiliser rather than planting crops, simply to help their business survive.
The Union says global disruption caused by the war in Iran has pushed fuel and fertiliser prices sharply higher, with the Isle of Man particularly exposed due to its total reliance on imports and rising shipping costs.
Pressure on Producers
Shortages and rapidly increasing input prices are hitting farms just as spring crops are due to go in and grass growth needs to be maximised.
The UK NFU is calling for greater transparency in pricing, warning that the pressure on producers is becoming unsustainable.
While food prices may not rise immediately, the MNFU says a prolonged crisis will inevitably push costs through the food system. It also warns supermarkets not to exploit the situation.
With the island heavily dependent on imported food, any contraction in UK production could put Manx supplies at risk in the weeks ahead.
Mission to Survive
MNFU told Manx.News: “Countries across the world are feeling the economic impact of the war in Iran and the subsequent disruption to fuels and fertiliser supplies for food production. The island is certainly exposed due to its absolute reliance on imported fuel and fertiliser.
“In addition, we bear the increased cost of shipping on top of prices set in the UK. Certainly shortages and rapidly increasing costs are hitting farms now just as crops are going in, and grass growth for spring grazing must be maximised.
“The NFU in the UK are asking Government to provide more fairness and transparency over fuel and fertilizer prices, and its worrying that some farms that forward purchased fertiliser have made the decision not to put crops in and instead sell the fertiliser stock rather than use it to produce food – just to survive the situation.
Manx National Farmers Union
“Food prices may not be impacted immediately but this is dependent on what happens in the next few weeks. A protracted situation will pressurise the food system and price increases would be inevitable. Supermarkets should not exploit this risk.
“The Isle of Man is heavily reliant on imported food, so if UK food production is contracting, this will put the island’s own imported supply of food at risk.”
