Farmers are bracing for soaring energy costs as new electricity charges come into force, prompting urgent warnings over the future of UK food production. The NFU said growers face a "double whammy" of rising costs, with increases to Transmission Network Use of System charges — fees linked to maintaining the electricity network — set to begin in April.
In some cases, these charges are expected to double, with large glasshouse operators facing increases of more than £1 million a year.
The changes could add hundreds of millions of pounds to the farming sector overall, adding further strain on energy-intensive businesses already dealing with volatile markets.
The warning raises fresh concerns over the resilience of UK food production at a time of growing reliance on imports. The increases come against a backdrop of rising energy and fuel prices, partly driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran. This is adding further pressure to sectors such as horticulture, which rely heavily on consistent and affordable energy.
Read more at Farming UK
