‘It’s a ticking timebomb’: food producers sound alarm on rise in energy charges

Indoor growers warn April price jump will hinder sector’s competitiveness and drive up costs for consumersHigh energy prices threaten UK’s status as manufacturing power, business groups sayOutside, it’s an overcast and blustery February day in Kent – hardly the ideal conditions for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Yet inside the enormous glasshouses run by grower Thanet Earth, the climate has been optimised to a humid 20C, perfect for the regimented rows of small pepper plants poking out of raised trays.Growing fresh produce indoors in the south of England year-round requires plenty of energy to provide light, warmth and carbon dioxide. But the site’s energy bills are about to grow too, when a significant increase in electricity standing charges comes into force on 1 April. Continue reading...