Panorama – The Cost of Energy

Panorama – Iran War: The Cost at Home – BBC iPlayer

Jon Swain did a brilliant job on the Panorama episode talking about the impact the Iran War has had on energy prices what this means for growers. Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer link above.

This episode of Panorama made one thing clear: the latest surge in gas prices is already hitting UK glasshouse growers, and the knock‑on effects for food inflation are unavoidable.

Energy‑intensive crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are the first to feel the shock. Many growers are facing steep jumps in gas costs and rising standing charges from April — fixed costs they simply can’t absorb. Some are already considering scaling back production or shortening seasons.

When global tensions rise, it’s usually growers who feel cost impact first — and our food system that pays the price. This isn’t just an energy story, it’s a food security story — and a reminder that supporting home‑grown horticulture means treating energy policy and food policy as two sides of the same coin.