The National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on the government to prioritise domestic food production equally with environmental concerns.
- The UK’s self-sufficiency in food currently stands at 60%, according to Defra, but NFU President Minette Batters stresses the need for legislative measures to maintain this level.
- Recent disruptions in food supply chains, exacerbated by weather anomalies and geopolitical tension, amplify the urgency of this issue.
- Batters highlights the risks of over-reliance on imports amid global economic and climatic challenges.
- The NFU urges enhanced resilience in UK food supply chains to counteract volatility and ensure sustainability.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has made a compelling call to the government to accord domestic food production the same level of focus and political priority as environmental issues. This plea comes at a time when the UK’s self-sufficiency in food remains at 60%, a statistic provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Minette Batters, the NFU President, has urged the government to take decisive legislative action to prevent any decline in this level of self-sufficiency. Batters has stressed the importance of action over rhetoric, urging legislative measures to safeguard against a decrease in food self-sufficiency.
The situation is made more acute by recent rises in UK agri-food inflation, which has soared to 19.2%. Additionally, the global food system faces unprecedented volatility, according to Batters, driven by events such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and extreme weather conditions. The UK experienced its driest February since 1993, and unpredictable heavy rainfall in July and August, highlighting the need for robust, resilient food supply systems.
Climate change poses a significant threat, causing havoc in global food production. Around the world, farmers are struggling with extremes like droughts and floods, and in Southern Europe, some are even battling wildfires. In the UK, farmers face additional financial burdens to dry rain-soaked grain, exacerbated by global pressures on grain markets due to Ukraine’s conflict.
The NFU is particularly concerned about the UK’s over-reliance on imports, especially when other nations also confront economic and climate-induced challenges. Batters emphasised the vulnerability of current supply chains and stressed the necessity for the government to actively engage in bolstering the resilience of the UK’s food chain.
In conclusion, strengthening the resilience and self-sufficiency of the UK’s food supply chain is crucial to navigate the current global challenges effectively.
Enhancing the UK’s food supply resilience and self-sufficiency is imperative amidst global uncertainties.
