NFU warns of over-reliance on food imports

The NFU has issued a stern warning to the government that an overdependence on imports is placing the country’s food security at risk, especially in light of the shocks caused by climate change and geopolitical tensions.

The message, from NFU president Minette Batters, came on so-called “Self-sufficiency Day” (Wednesday, 9 August), the day when the UK would have run out of food had it been solely dependent on its own production since the start of the year, based on a 60% self-sufficiency rating. 

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“I have never known such volatility in the global food system,” Mrs Batters said.

“Climate change is wreaking havoc on food production across the world. Farmers in southern Europe are literally fighting fires, while farmers here must now spend thousands of pounds to dry sodden grain.

“At the same time, the conflict in Ukraine is putting pressure on the global grain market. And ongoing inflation of input costs has meant that, for many farmers and growers, this year has already been incredibly expensive to produce food.”

The weather challenges, linked to climate change, included the driest February in 30 years, the hottest June ever recorded, followed by a remarkably wet July.

The global average temperature for July was the hottest ever recorded.

Global shocks

“It is clear that our food supply chains need to be better prepared and more resilient to dealing with global shocks and the extremes of weather that are fast becoming the norm,” Mrs Batter added.

“While we will always be a trading nation in food, we cannot remain over-reliant on imports when other countries are also facing significant challenges, economically and climatically.”

With food security at risk, Mrs Batters called on prime minister Rishi Sunak to legislate to ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency did not drop below its current level of 60%.

“This government has statutory targets for the environment and ministers need now to give the same status to our food production,” she said.