BTGA and LVGA say further food price rises can be expected
The British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) has expressed disappointment in the lack of support for businesses on energy costs in last week’s Budget.
In a post on LinkedIn, the BTGA noted that Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget offered £150 per household in reductions off energy bills by removing green levies. The trade body said the move was clear recognition that UK energy costs are the highest in Europe.
“Sadly [there was] no mention of helping business in the same way,” the group added. “Our largest British tomato growers with the most modern sustainable energy models are facing millions of pounds of cost increases for their standing charges in April 2026.”
BTGA warned the situation means that investment decisions are being shelved, which will lead to looming food price inflation. In the worst case scenario, businesses will close.
The BTGA stressed that inclusion in the existing intensive energy user exemption scheme would be a simple answer that would enable growth, and flagged up its post to Defra and MPs.
Its view supports recent lobbying from the NFU on the issue.
Separately, Lee Valley Growers’ Association (LVGA) secretary Lee Stiles said there was “not much Christmas cheer” for the protected horticulture industry from the Chancellor.
“On a day when farmers were arrested in Westminster, the link between the cost of production and food inflation seems to have escaped the government again,” he said.
“The increase in minimum wage, combined with the looming Employment Rights Bill, will sober the investment thoughts of many growers. Shoppers will again feel the pain of increasing costs to their food shop.”
