Sunday, June 11, 2023

Survey Says UK Cost Pressures Hurting Farmers' Mental Health



TEHRAN (FNA)- More than two-thirds of farmers believe their mental health has been affected by soaring production costs, according to an industry survey.

Prices for key agricultural inputs such as fuel, energy, fertiliser and animal feed have been heightened due to the global turmoil of the past 18 months, including the war in Ukraine, Eastern Daily Press reported.

And the survey by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) shows 68pc of farmers felt this has had a negative impact on their mental health.

Meanwhile, 61pc of respondents attributed poor mental health to unfairness in the supply chain, and almost 50pc cited rural crime.

The data was published ahead of a parliamentary event aiming to kickstart conversations about the wellbeing of the nation’s food producers.

NFU Vice President David Exwood said farming is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but the "distressing survey results" show the pressures are "incredibly challenging" too.

“Our survey pinpoints some of the root causes affecting rural mental health – economic and political uncertainty - and we are calling on government to continue taking steps to address these issues to reduce the stress farmers are facing," he said.

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