Back our farmers to tackle food inflation

Helen Morgan has today signalled her backing for Liberal Democrat plans to tackle soaring food prices through investing £1 billion in British farms, boosting food production.

Shropshire residents are going through the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Energy costs are up, mortgage bills are up, and rent is up – but one of the biggest contributors to the crisis is food. The cost of the weekly shop has soared over the last twelve months, now costing families an extra £600 a year, and the price of essential foods has gone through the roof. Cheese is up by 50%, milk by 40%, and eggs by 30%.

This issue is especially pertinent in agricultural food producing areas like North Shropshire, where both consumers and producers need the government to provide a clear plan.

The MP is also calling for a reversal of cuts in the latest budget which removed 85% of energy support for farmers and shops, which have forced prices up even more.

Helen said, “British farmers are the best in the world, and we have some of the very brightest right here in Shropshire. They have been facing huge increases in their cost base, with prices of fuel, feed and fertiliser all soaring.

“The government should act to help bring farming costs down as a priority – not least as there are few better ways to tackle soaring food inflation.

“This means bringing energy costs down by reversing the recent 85% cut to business support and extra targeted help for products that there is a shortage of, so that we can protect ourselves from import shocks. We’d also get more high-quality Shropshire produced food on the shelves, and at an affordable price.

“Action should also be taken to address the problems farmers face due to supermarkets holding such sway over their livelihoods.

“Ultimately, food producers and consumers alike are crying out for a clear plan to get inflation under control. The government needs to hurry up and get to work on implementing proposals like ours as soon as possible.”