Rising Costs for Shoppers and Farrners

We have all noticed the huge price increase in our weekly shop in recent months, but in Norfolk its not just shoppers that are facing increased costs
Anglia Farmers have revealed that Agricultural costs are up by almost 17% in six months

The calculations based on consistent cost change information from the Anglia Farmers’ buying office, is based on 76 products; similar to the method used for the retail price index.

Rises in fertiliser, fuel and feed is having a significant impact on agricultural cost inflation.

Anglia Farmers Agriculture Inflation Figures between October 2007 and March 2008 shows an overall agricultural inflation of 16.65%
The effect on individual enterprises are listed on the table below
Cereals 16.18%
Potatoes 12.12%
Sugar Beet 13.32%
Dairy 21.63%
Beef & Lamb 19.42%


“The six months to March gives a good indicator as to what the annual figure to September 2008 will look like,” said Jim Alston who is co-ordinating the  Inflation Index. “Over 18 months the increase becomes a frightening 24%.

“While some parts of UK agriculture have seen a rise in income that helps to cover rising costs, other parts of the industry have not and these levels of increased costs will have significant effect if not covered by increased income.

“As before the hardest hit has been dairying due in the main to the sharp rise in feed costs but rises in the cost of power and fertiliser have also had an effect.

“While there is a possibility that prices will settle down following these large price hikes history tells us that price falls are unlikely and if global
Read the full report

Many Norfolk pig farmers are losing money on every pig they sell.
Many PIN pig farmers feel they keep their pigs in much better conditions than those on the continent. All PIN pigs are reared outdoors in plenty of straw making them some of the best, well kept, happy pigs in the world.
Many of them are rare breeds like Gloucester Old spot which are reared by Roger Human of Tavern Tasty Meats. Roger is Norfolk’s only registered rare breed butcher and sells his award winning sausages, pies and bacon at The Sausage Shop in Holt If you want to help support good animal welfare  or  protect England’s rare breeds please support PIN members.
Where to buy

Sycamore Farm Shop Hempnall South Norfolk
D J Barnard Attleborough
The Sausage Shop (Tavern Tasty Meats) Holt