FARMERS FEAR FINANCE CRISIS
Off-the-scale price hikes hit agriculture sector hard
rise IN depression and suicide rates
A Stirlingshire farmer has revealed that spiralling prices and “off the scale” uncertainty is leaving the sector worried for the future. Mark Donald, who owns Rhynaclach Farm in Port of Menteith, spoke as the cost of living crisis begins to take its toll on local farmers, with costs for basic items such as fertiliser and fuel skyrocketing.
The impact of the conflict in Ukraine represents the latest blow for farmers reeling from the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Operating costs are outstripping the rise in prices for their goods at market.
The crisis has also prompted concern over the farmers’ mental health, facing the prospect of making ends meet amid growing focus on increased levels of depression and suicide rates.
Mark, regional chairman in the Forth and Clyde region for NFU Scotland, said: “The level of uncertainty is off the scale and is affecting a lot of people mentally.
“Farmers are looking at costs spiralling out of control and while they are getting reasonable levels of income for what they are selling, that doesn’t mean it’s covering their costs.
“There is a lot of fear and people are definitely worried.”