Weather problems push up the cost of animal feed

RISING food prices have been hitting Guernsey farmers and shops.

In the UK, food prices have risen by an average of about 3% after farmers suffered the second-wettest summer since records began. Wheat, potato and fruit harvests were particularly hard hit, which has had a knock-on effect on Guernsey businesses.

Pig farmer Jason Hamon, pictured, keeps about 150 animals and uses about one-and-a-half tons of feed a week.

The price for that has risen by about £80 per ton over the last four years. But he said in recent months, the increases have been getting steeper. 'There is not much we can do about it,' he said.

'We have still got to feed the same amount of animals.'