'I fear for my son's farming future due to costs'
Farmers in the UK are facing significant financial challenges due to rising costs of fuel and fertiliser. Chris Suckling, a fourth-generation farmer, expressed concern for his son's future in farming as expenses have doubled, leading to losses. The government is reportedly taking steps to support the sector amid these global pressures.
- ▪Chris Suckling's fuel costs have doubled to £54,000 over the past year.
- ▪The cost of fertilisers for Suckling's farm has risen from £53,200 to £67,200 annually.
- ▪John Pawsey, an organic farmer, noted that his fixed costs have increased by 25% to 35%.
- ▪Emma Reynolds stated that the government is cutting red diesel fuel duty to its lowest rate in over 20 years to support farmers.
- ▪Farmers are increasingly leaving land bare or converting it for solar farms and housing due to unprofitability.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
'I fear for my son's farming future due to costs'Just nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRichard Daniel,in HolbrookandAlice Cunningham,SuffolkJohn Fairhall/BBCChris Suckling said he wanted to see the government supporting UK crop farmersA fourth generation farmer whose fuel costs have doubled in the past 12 months said he felt guilty to pass on a farm to his son that would not give him the income he deserved.Chris Suckling runs Woodlands Farm in Holbrook, Suffolk, and said his costs this year had risen to £40,800 from fuel and fertiliser alone.He blamed the Iran war and said he had tried to diversify his products but said it cost more money.Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, said the government was working to protect the farming sector from…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News — Business.