Farmers could face 'mental health crisis' if war in Ukraine continues, experts say
Fuel, fertiliser and food for animals have all seen an "incredible increase" in price
Stamford and Rutland's farmers could face a financial crisis should there be another 12 months of war in Ukraine, industry leaders are warning.
The one-year mark since the start of the war fell on Friday (24th February) last week, but soaring costs had been mounting on the British agricultural sector as a result of Russia's invasion long before that.
Julie Ball, from Rutland Farm Park, says the conflict restricting Ukrainian exports had contributed to vital resources skyrocketing in price:
'All farmers have seen an incredible increase in the three 'Fs' - fuel we need, food we need for the animals, and the fertiliser we need', she said.
'If things continue I think there will be definitely a decline in the amount of food that's produced.'
How exactly is the conflict driving up costs?
'Ukraine is a significant manufacturer and exporter of fertiliser, therefore there is a shortage, therefore it has more than doubled in price in the last 12 months', Julie said.
'Same with grain, a lot of that is exported from Ukraine. That not only has an impact on human costs, for bread and pasta - but also our costs for feeding animals.'
Another 12 months of war driving up costs could also have an impact on farmer's mental health, Julie tells us:
'There will be a crisis in mental health in farming, and I think a lot of small farms will go out of business.'
'We don't do arable, but we do have our livestock and it's getting increasingly difficult to be able to feed them.'
The Government said it was committing nearly £170m to boost farming productivity and support farmers.