Farmers across the UK are facing growing uncertainty as international instability pushes up the cost of key agricultural inputs, the country’s four main farming unions have warned.

Representatives from NFU Cymru, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the National Farmers’ Union and NFU Scotland met in Newry, Northern Ireland, on Friday, March 27 to discuss the impact of geopolitical events on UK agriculture.

Union leaders said volatility in fuel and fertiliser markets, linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, is making it harder for farmers to plan and manage costs. Many have reported sharp fluctuations in red diesel and fertiliser prices, often with limited transparency from suppliers.

“Farm businesses across the UK are facing increasing pressure as a result of global events beyond their control. Volatility in fuel and fertiliser markets is creating real uncertainty at farm level, with implications for food production, supply chains and ultimately consumers,” the unions said in a joint statement.

“Many farmers are being asked to commit to purchases without clear or timely information, making it extremely difficult to plan and manage already tight margins.”

The groups are calling on UK governments to improve pricing transparency, monitor supply chains for fairness, and strengthen the resilience of domestic food production. They also want clarity on future policies, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which could affect fertiliser costs.

“Global political tensions are increasingly exposing the vulnerability of UK food production to external shocks. It is essential that governments work with the industry to build resilience and ensure that farmers are not left bearing disproportionate risk,” the unions added.

They said a sustainable farming sector depends on profitability, which supports food security, economic stability and environmental goals. The unions emphasised they are ready to work with government to tackle both immediate challenges and longer-term risks to the sector.