AIC calls for action to tackle UK’s ‘fragile’ food security

Trade association says the “engine of UK agriculture is not firing on all cylinders”

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has called for an independent Food Security Committee to counter the "fragility" of the UK’s food supply and its "deeply concerning lack of security."

The announcement was based on an AIC-commissioned report from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) that called for a statutory body to advise the UK and devolved governments on the drivers of food security and the resilience of the UK’s agri-food supply chain. This would include pre-farm suppliers, farmers and growers through to processors, manufacturers, food service and retailers.

Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive, AIC said: “Productivity in the agri-food industry is complicated and no one policy or innovation drives its progression. It is like an engine of many moving parts. In an ideal world, these parts work smoothly. Today, the engine of UK agriculture is not firing on all cylinders.”

He said: “Developing a clear strategy for food security would provide the certainty that businesses desperately need to invest in the UK, facilitating investment in integrated pest management, nitrogen-use efficiency, as well as innovation in animal feed and precision breeding.

“There is an open and serious question as to where our nation will find itself in the next 20 years if we fail to act now."

The report was backed by George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA), who said: “It is about time that we paid more than lip service to the delivery of our nation’s food security.

“Although the government has a legislative requirement to ensure that it is encouraging the production of food in the development of its schemes and policies, there is very little if any architecture that truly holds the government to account in delivering this.”

“Real food security, in the context of changing climate and nature, is much more complex than the price or availability of strawberries in January.”

Sue Pritchard, CEO, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission said that if “constituted properly” the committee could enable governments, businesses and civil society to work together for long-term food resilience, as well as tackle immediate issues such as diet-related ill health, food poverty, fair returns for farmers and producers, and food waste. 

She said: “Real food security, in the context of changing climate and nature, is much more complex than the price or availability of strawberries in January. People want change, and they want government to take a lead in the movement to create a fairer, more sustainable food system.”

Dr David Marcus Bellett-Travers, report author and Head of Agri-food Technology at ARU Peterborough, said the report called for better engagement throughout the system including education, business, farmers and the supply chain.

“It's also the way research is conducted and results disseminated and the way in which agronomy works with tech companies.

“Agriculture is changing at such a rapid rate, that a cross-governmental expert-advice panel would be welcome. It would start to knit together and build that cohesiveness. There is an appetite for it.”

Mark Spencer MP, Farming Minister commented: “It looks to be a thorough and impressive report, covering all important themes in detail, such as improving productivity and enhancing the environment. We look forward to reading it in more detail.”

The next version of the government's UK Food Security Report, which examines past, current, and predicted trends relevant to food security, is scheduled to be published by December 2024.

Image credit: Shutterstock