In real terms, staple food prices have dropped significantly owing mainly to the mechanization of farming methods, and the introduction of better fertilizers, pesticides and economies of scale. Beginning around 1800, costs really started to drop as energy inputs (petroleum) replaced manual labour and animal-powered transportation. The chart below shows real wheat prices in the UK going back to 1300.
History of Food Prices (in Charts)
History of Food Prices (in Charts)
History of Food Prices (in Charts)
In real terms, staple food prices have dropped significantly owing mainly to the mechanization of farming methods, and the introduction of better fertilizers, pesticides and economies of scale. Beginning around 1800, costs really started to drop as energy inputs (petroleum) replaced manual labour and animal-powered transportation. The chart below shows real wheat prices in the UK going back to 1300.