Farmers in Europe are warning of soaring lamb prices this Easter, attributed to successive climate shocks since 2022, with UK prices expected to rise between 7% and 21%. Many UK households have faced an extra cost of up to £168 over the past three years. Food prices across Europe have also surged, with lamb being one of the fastest-rising items, increasing 7.2% last year.
Extreme weather, caused by climate change, has impacted production costs for farmers, affecting lamb weight and reducing meat availability. The analysis indicates that heavy rainfall in early 2024 will lead to further price increases for lamb roasts in upcoming Easter celebrations.
While addressing the environmental impact, experts note that animal agriculture, particularly lamb production, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. A shift towards plant-based diets could potentially reduce emissions and improve public health, highlighting the ongoing debate about Europe’s consumption of lamb and its environmental consequences.
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