Farmers across north west England say soaring fertiliser and fuel costs are placing severe strain on their businesses, with many warning the situation is becoming unsustainable. Around a third of the world's fertiliser chemicals pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East has driven prices sharply higher. At the same time, red diesel costs have risen by more than half in recent weeks, compounding financial pressures.

Vegetable grower Jon Forshaw said his fertiliser costs have increased by 26 percent, while diesel prices have surged by 60 percent, leaving cash flow extremely tight. Because crops such as cauliflowers must be nurtured once planted, farmers cannot simply cut back on fertiliser use without risking total losses. He warned that unless prices paid to growers rise, many may scale back production next season.

Arable farmer Olly Harrison has also seen fertiliser prices nearly double compared with previous purchases, dramatically increasing his annual costs. With fuel bills more than doubling in a single month, he said profitability now depends heavily on higher grain prices and favourable weather. Both farmers say the sector feels undervalued and fear more growers could leave the industry if conditions do not improve.