The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is urging the UK government to prioritize agri-food self-sufficiency in response to global threats. As of “self-sufficiency day” on August 14, the NFU is concerned that the UK’s self-sufficiency levels are declining, especially in fresh vegetables which are currently at a record low of 53%.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw emphasized the importance of increasing self-sufficiency in homegrown foods to ensure a stable food supply and support the nation’s health and economy. Bradshaw highlighted the significant contribution farmers make to the UK’s food and drink sector, which is valued at £146bn ($187.5bn) and employs over four million people.
The NFU is calling for increased investment in the UK’s farming sector to mitigate the impact of challenges such as the wettest winter and spring on record and record-breaking global temperatures affecting food production worldwide. Importantly, the NFU is advocating for a statutory commitment to maintain the UK’s current self-sufficiency levels.
In response to the NFU’s warning, the government emphasized the significance of food security as national security. They pledged to introduce a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth, strengthen food security, and support nature’s recovery. Additionally, the government plans to protect farmers from trade-related challenges, ensure fair supply chain practices, and optimize farming schemes for food security and nature recovery.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain for UK vegetable growers, who are facing delays in seed imports due to post-Brexit border changes. The British Tomato Growers’ Association and the Cucumber and Pepper Growers’ Association have raised concerns about costly delays affecting crop yields and profitability.
