Severe weather is being blamed by some for soaring food prices.

Annual food prices have shot up to the highest rate in 13 years.

Stats New Zealand says it cost 8.3 percent more to buy food this August, compared with last year.

Vegetables New Zealand Chair John Murphy told Kate Hawkesby the weather's been horrendous.

He says severe weather isn't something that starts in 2050, businesses are facing the impacts of it now.

Murphy says increases in diesel, fertiliser, power costs and staffing shortages are also impacting.

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