How Britain’s farming ‘crisis’ could impact your weekly shop

Soaring energy bills, plunging fertiliser sales and the risk of a mass cull of animals; UK agriculture faces multiple problems, writes Ben Chapman

Milk is one of a host of products that looks set to rise further in price (Will Ireland/PinPep)

UK agriculture is in the midst of a “major crisis” that threatens to push up the price of eggs, milk, meat and a host of other staple products, piling further pressure on cash-strapped families, according to industry experts.

In a grim week for British farming, economists warned that livestock owners may have to cull thousands of cattle this winter because of a shortage of feed.

Soaring energy prices and the war in Ukraine have caused a fivefold spike in fertiliser costs. New data revealed by The Independent showed that fertiliser sales had plunged by at least 35 per cent last month.