UK government urged to prioritise food security by think tank

The UK government has been urged to change its approach to national food security by a think tank.

Policy Exchange, a right of centre organisation founded in 2007, is pushing for a national food security strategy that “encompasses the entire food ecosystem” beyond farming. It released a report on the issue today (3 September).

The report, backed by a cross-party selection of MPs and peers, suggested that previous food security initiatives have focused too narrowly on agriculture.

Policy Exchange argues that food security should be “at the heart” of the country’s industrial strategy.

A recent survey from industry body the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) showed that 53% of UK food and drink manufacturers see “mitigating supply chain risks or geopolitical events as either significant or very significant for their businesses”.

Investment in the food and beverage manufacturing sector has fallen 30% since 2019, the report said, adding that this is despite an estimated industry turnover of £142bn ($186.2bn) and exports valued at more than £24bn.

However, the report claimed that UK manufacturing excluding food and drink saw investment rise by 5% over the same period.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), a body representing UK farmers and farm businesses, recently issued a new warning to the country’s government about the need for agri-food self-sufficiency in the light of global threats.

According to government figures, the UK is 62% self-sufficient in food but the NFU said some sectors have seen a recent decline. It said the UK’s self-sufficiency in fresh vegetables is at its lowest since records began in 1988 at 53%.

Just Food