UK food producers call for subsidies to tackle CO2 shortages

Record energy prices forced shutdown of two fertiliser plants last week, with knock-on effect on food supply chains

Food producers have called on the government to subsidise the fertiliser plants that produce the CO₂ essential to much of the sector - including for packaging, fizzy drinks and animal slaughter - amid fears over shortages in supermarkets.

The Food & Drink Federation (FDF), which represents hundreds of food processors and manufacturers, joined retailers and meat producers in calling for urgent action as they warned of serious disruption in food supply chains.