Ulster Fry index

THE question on many people’s lips of late has been whether food price rises have peaked.

THE north's agri-business sector is operating in a “hugely challenging period” as farmers face undue pressure to produce affordable food against a backdrop of labour challenges and rising input costs, a senior banker says.

THE price of your typical Ulster fry is a fifth higher than it was 12 months, economic data from Ulster Bank shows.

CONSUMERS and farmers can expect food, fuel, and energy prices to soar as a new cost of living crisis continues to heap pressure on Northern Ireland households.

NEW research from Ulster Bank has highlighted the diverse impact of the pandemic, Brexit and climate on the north's agri-food sector over the past year.

THE overall cost of an Ulster fry fell again this year, but food prices look set to increase as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

THE cost of bacon has fallen by 5% while the price of butter is up 7% according to the annual Ulster Fry Index.

FARMERS who were involved in the controversial renewable heat incentive (RHI) green energy scheme which ultimately led to the collapse of the Stormont Executive in January 2017 are now asking their banks to fund them to instal gas heaters, it's been claimed.

THE north's agricultural sector is in clover after a "stellar" last year in which total income from farming (TIFF) surged by 82 per cent in real terms from £254 million to £450 million.

LAST year was one of many surprises – Brexit, Trump, Leicester winning the English Premier League, and Ireland beating the All-Blacks in rugby are just some examples that come to mind.