‘Some aren’t going to make it’: how pressure on farmers threatens UK food security
UK farmers are facing severe financial pressure due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs combined with the impacts of extreme heatwaves. These challenges threaten the stability of the domestic food supply chain.
Why it matters
The vulnerability of agricultural producers directly impacts national food security and the cost of living for consumers.
Jamie Burrows, the chair of the crops board at the National Farmers’ Union, says there are multiple challenges facing him and other food producers. Photograph: National Farmers' Union Jamie Burrows, the chair of the crops board at the National Farmers’ Union, says there are multiple challenges facing him and other food producers. Photograph: National Farmers' Union UK news ‘Some aren’t going to make it’: how pressure on farmers threatens UK food security Food producers are adding their voices to the chorus of warnings about the vulnerability of British supply chains
Joanna Partridge Sun 11 Oct 2026 12.00 BST Last modified on Sun 11 Oct 2026 12.02 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google “There are so many decent, capable, productive, efficient arable farmers out there, asking how they are supposed to finance the crop they are meant to be putting in the ground,” Jamie Burrows says.
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