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The cost of growing food

Fertiliser supplies have been hit by government sanctions, restricted exports and the war in Ukraine, bringing warnings of food shortages and increasing food prices.

Global fertiliser prices are reaching record highs, as supplies from Russia, one of the world’s largest exporters dry up. As the war in Ukraine intensifies there are warnings of food shortages as farmers struggle to get hold of fertilisers and starting to rationing its use.

Soybean farmer Karl Milla tells Sam Fenwick he is rationing how much fertiliser he uses. He says he is worried what effect that will have on crop sizes later in the year. Laura Cross from the International Fertiliser Association explains why government sanctions on Belarus and countries like China, Turkey and Egypt restricting exports have contributed to soaring fertiliser prices. And German pig farmer, Dirk Andresen tells us he cannot afford to buy enough food to feed his pigs.

Presenter/producer : Sam Fenwick
(Photo: Karl Milla with kind permission)

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18 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 Mar 2022 07:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Mon 28 Mar 2022 07:32GMT

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