When fruit grower Ali Capper woke to news that war had broken out in Iran, she says she “felt quite sick” anticipating the repercussions for the UK farming industry.

Farmers and growers in peak planting season are grappling with spiralling costs as the conflict pushes up the price of fuel and fertiliser.

News of a two-week ceasefire aimed at resolving the conflict comes too late for this growing season, says Ali, who represents British apple and pear growers. “Sadly, even if it all ends tomorrow, the costs are baked in now.”

New figures suggest inflation – the rate at which prices rise – for farm running costs is more than 7% higher this March, compared with last March.