BRITAIN is “sleepwalking” into a food supply crisis, the National Farmers Union (NFU) warned today.

The organisation urged the Tory government to step in and help growers who are under “severe strain from soaring fuel, fertiliser and feed costs.”

Price rises are being exacerbated by worsening climate change, supply chain problems following the initial shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

NFU president Minette Batters added that egg shortages — sparked by the world’s biggest ever outbreak of bird flu — could “just be the start” as multiple farming sectors feel the impact.

She told the BBC: “Shoppers up and down the country have for decades had a guaranteed supply of high-quality affordable food produced to some of the highest animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards in the world.

“But British food is under threat at a time when global volatility is threatening the stability of the world’s food production, food security and energy security.

“I fear the country is sleepwalking into further food supply crises, with the future of British fruit and vegetable supplies in trouble.”

Tomato, cucumber and pear production could soon be at risk as they are sourced from energy-intensive crops, the union predicted.

The situation is likely to see food price inflation reach an eye-watering peak of up to 19 per cent early next year, according to the Institute of Grocery Distribution, putting unbearable pressure on the lowest earners.

A government spokesperson claimed that the public should be “reassured by the UK’s large and highly resilient food supply chain and strong food security.”