The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that as a result of the Ukraine conflict, disruption to food output affecting various supply chains, impacting availability and affordability, could last for many years.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been devastating to the people who live there and we have offered assistance to Ukrainian farmers in any way possible. 

“The war has also focused attention on the importance and fragility of food security, both at home and abroad. British farmers continue to stand ready to do all we can to ensure the public continues to have access to high-quality, affordable, climate-friendly food.”

Batters said that there are some “clear short and long-term actions” that the government can take to “maintain confidence and stability across the UK’s food producing businesses.” She said the NFU had shared these with government and stressed that the Union was “ready to take these forward together.”

In a statement, NFU said that multiple compounding factors have “profound implications” and risks for UK food security, which it believes require urgent action.

It estimated that around 30% of the world’s wheat comes from Ukraine and Russia and that exports will stop during the conflict. Additionally, the price of gas – which is used to make fertiliser and heat greenhouses – has been impacted by the conflict.

The Union has written to the government to call for urgent action to help UK farmers produce enough food to keep supermarkets stocked and affordable. NFU added: “The government must act now, with a clear signal that food security is a priority for the nation.”