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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.

Iran-Linked Hackers Shut Down U.K. Power Plant For Four Days

A small U.K. power plant was taken offline for four days in July after a cyberattack reportedly linked to hackers tied to Iran, according to The Telegraph. The incident was not considered a threat to the wider U.K. energy system, according to the government.

U.K. Government Declines To Assign Blame

A government spokesperson declined to identify the facility or confirm who was behind the attack. The government said the incident affected a small-scale generator and did not threaten the wider energy system.

“The U.K. has a highly resilient energy system. We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards,” the spokesperson told CNBC.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it had briefed energy executives and written to companies about further measures. The department is also updating cybersecurity regulations for the energy sector.

U.S. Agencies Warned Of Iranian Cyber Activity

The reported attack came as U.S. authorities warned that Iranian cyber actors were targeting critical infrastructure. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies said Iranian actors had targeted water facilities across at least seven U.S. states.

U.S. officials have also warned that Iranian cyber groups could target businesses and infrastructure in response to the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

On Aug. 18, the U.S. Department of Justice charged 17 Iranians over what it described as a “massive cyber theft campaign” carried out on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian entities.

Iran Has Also Faced Cyberattacks

Iran has also been targeted by major cyberattacks. In June, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic said hackers stole more than $90 million from Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

According to Elliptic, the funds were moved from Nobitex wallets to addresses containing messages referencing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The pro-Israel hacking group Gonjeshke Darande, also known as Predatory Sparrow, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The reported U.K. incident adds to a series of cyberattacks involving critical infrastructure and state-linked actors. Energy companies and other infrastructure operators are facing growing pressure to strengthen defenses as cyber operations become increasingly tied to geopolitical conflicts.

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