Rising Costs Create Vicious Cycle Impacting Traders, Farmers, and Consumers

Rising costs for food ingredients and fertilisers are driving a vicious cycle impacting traders, farmers, and consumers, intensifying the cost-of-living crisis in Northamptonshire.

Rising Costs Fuel Ongoing Crisis for Traders and Farmers

Increasing prices for food ingredients and fertilizers continue to elevate costs for traders, farmers, and consumers, creating a "vicious circle" that exacerbates the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to a local cheesemonger.

Steve Reid, owner of The Northampton Cheese Company and The Northampton Charcuterie Company, told Politics East that the prices of some ingredients used by his businesses have more than doubled.

Meanwhile, Philip Weston, a farmer from Hartwell, Northamptonshire, warned of further protests by farmers, stating that "The government is not doing enough to help us. If the cost of fertiliser doesn't come down we are seriously looking at drawing back on arable crop production."

A government spokesperson responded that efforts are underway to work with farmers to ensure "the sector gets the backing it needs."

Reid, 57, who operates his businesses from Northampton Market, described the challenges posed by rising ingredient costs.

"For example, dried apricots just over 12 months ago were £35 for a 12kg box, now they're £100 a box.

"Sultanas - they've gone from £23 a 10kg box to about £60, so everything has virtually doubled,"

His companies produce chutneys, sauces, and cheeses, and he also sells other local products such as bread, eggs, and honey from his market stall.

"If we have to increase our prices the cost-of-living crisis affects everybody and it's even more difficult to sell the products - so it's a very vicious circle."

Alex Pope/BBC A market stall selling vegetables and fruit in a market square. Melons, oranges and other produce can be seen in crates at the front of the stall. A woman is walking away from the stall with two shopping bags and a man is talking to the stallholder. — Northampton Market says traders have had to increase the price of goods on their stalls

Farmers Plan Further Protests Amid Rising Fertiliser Costs

Weston, 40, who farms 300 acres (121 hectares) of land and participated in blockades outside transport hubs and food depots earlier this year to campaign for better support for the agricultural industry, indicated plans to continue protesting to highlight the sector's challenges.

"If we go out again and protest it will prove to the British public that we are still there,"

he said.

Weston criticised the government’s approach to fertiliser taxation.

"The Labour government did have an option to draw back on the planned fertilizer tax that they were proposing.

"They chose not to. Change needs to be brought about now."

He emphasized the need to value domestic produce more highly.

"We need to put a higher value on the produce that we actually have here in this country.

"We're seeing meat being imported into this country in huge numbers and we simply aren't competitive with their cost of productions, we can't cope with that."

Martin Giles/BBC Philip Weston smiles at the camera as he fills his tractor with fuel. He is wearing a red-hooded jumper with a Union Jack on the front and a navy fleece gilet. His tractor is red, as is the petrol pump he is holding. — Philip Weston farms 300 acres of land and said the government needs to support those working in the sector

Consumers Feel Impact of Rising Food Prices

The Bank of England has warned that food prices could increase by 7% by the end of the year.

Maria Agachi, who moved to Northampton from Moldova and shops at Northampton Market, shared her perspective on rising prices.

"I came to England five years ago and I remember the salt was around 30p now it's £1 and something, just the normal products we're buying from the shops is increasing.

"I can't say that I really take an awful lot of notice, if I want it then I get it, what I spent today probably hasn't been any more than what I'd normally spend so I don't suppose it's much different.

"Everything seems to be going up, rocketing. I'm looking for the bargains basically, chicken seems to be a good bargain these days - so I eat more chicken than red meat these days, just looking after the pennies."

Martin Giles/BBC Maria Agachi smiles at the camera as she is photographed at a market. She is wearing a black rain jacket and brown backpack. She has long brown hair. — Maria Agachi moved to Northampton from Moldova and said prices were rocketing

Government Response to Agricultural Sector Challenges

A government spokesperson reiterated the administration's commitment to supporting the farming sector.

"This government is working closely with farming stakeholders, including the NFU, to make sure the sector gets the backing it needs.

"The government has taken action to support greater price transparency by asking the Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board to increase the frequency of its fertiliser price reporting and we welcome its move to now publish this data on a weekly basis.

"We have also extended the 5p fuel duty cut until September, with red diesel benefiting from an 80% tax discount, saving farmers around £300m a year."

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BBC Politics East will be broadcast on Sunday 17 May at 10:00 GMT on BBC One in the East of England and will be available after broadcast on BBC .

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