Signal Plant pests could threaten jobs of 471,000 UK agricultural workers

Summary

The report argues that plant pests can drive up commodity prices, placing a heavier burden on low-income households. Through the same channel, it sees the job security of 471,000 agricultural workers in the UK as potentially at risk. The leading UK crops by volume are wheat, barley, sugar beet, potatoes and oilseed, and all of their yields are exposed to pests. In 2020 virus yellows spread by peach potato aphids cut the national sugar beet yield by up to 25%, and potato farmers spend an average of 55 million pounds a year keeping blight in check. Infestations can also weaken consumer confidence and crop demand, harming the viability of UK producers and affecting tourism and forestry.