Food prices have risen sharply in recent years, prompting debate about whether England’s transition to greener farming is adding to household costs.

In new analysis in this paper, we found that 80 per cent of the increase in food prices since 2021 has occurred after food leaves the farm, while increases in farmgate prices have been almost entirely absorbed by rising input costs. We found little evidence that the farming transition is a significant driver of food price inflation. To avoid future price spikes, government should tackle fossil fuel dependence across the food supply chain, while helping farmers build resilience to climate shocks.

For more information contact:

Lydia Collas, head of natural environment