Olly Harrison warns soaring fertiliser costs could impact planting decisions

Farmer and agricultural advocate Olly Harrison has warned that rising fertiliser prices are forcing farmers to rethink whether planting crops is financially viable, as input costs continue to escalate.

Speaking from his farm in Merseyside, Olly explained that fertiliser prices have more than doubled in recent months, driven largely by global instability affecting supply chains. He said the situation has been made worse by a cold and wet spring, leaving fewer growing days available to establish crops.

Olly noted that, in some cases, farmers may now be better off selling fertiliser rather than using it, as the cost of applying it - alongside fuel and other inputs - may not be justified by potential yields. He also highlighted the increasing reliance on imported fertiliser following the closure of domestic production, warning that UK farmers are now more exposed to global events beyond their control.

According to Olly, each new disruption, whether geopolitical tensions or wider economic pressures, continues to push input costs higher, making farming an increasingly uncertain and high-risk industry.

He added that many farmers are already operating on tight margins, and the combination of rising costs, unpredictable weather and market pressures is making it more difficult to plan ahead with confidence.

The situation is also expected to have wider implications beyond the farm gate, with concerns that rising production costs could eventually lead to higher food prices for consumers.

Olly’s comments reflect growing concern across the industry, as farmers continue to navigate volatility in global markets while trying to maintain sustainable food production.