A debate on how to continue to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of
food in the future has been launched by Hilary Benn.
Publishing a new Defra discussion paper, “Ensuring the UK’s food security in
a changing world”, Hilary Benn stressed that, while the UK was currently
secure in its food supply, it was important to consider whether the UK food
supply chain is sufficiently resilient to deal with short term shocks and
sufficiently strong to face long term challenges.
The paper – which will feed into a more detailed statement on food security
policy expected later this year - poses five key questions for the public
and industry to comment on. In particular the Government is keen to hear the
views of the agricultural sector, consumer groups and food retailers. To
this end Defra will be holding a series of meetings, workshops and events to
encourage discussion.
The paper also suggests a set of indicators that could be used in the future
to assess food security. Views are being invited on these indicators and how
they could be used.
Hilary Benn said: “The UK currently has a secure food supply. In fact we are
more self-sufficient now than we were in the 1950s. But recent food price
rises across the world have shone a light on the challenges all countries
face in ensuring food supplies at reasonable prices, particularly as the
global population rises and the impacts of climate change and rising oil
prices are felt.
“That’s why it’s sensible to think about the impact of these challenges so
that we can plan effectively for the future and identify any further steps
that may be needed, bearing in mind that as well as domestic production –
which is very important – we also rely on being able to import food.”
The analysis of the UK food chain contained in the paper shows that the
situation in the UK cannot be viewed in isolation. UK and global food
security are interlinked, particularly in relation to world food markets and
international energy supplies.
However, UK agriculture has a vital contribution to make to food security
both in Britain and internationally. The paper outlines the importance of
the sector to the UK economy and its role in managing Britain’s unique
landscape and biodiversity.
The key questions posed in the report are:
1.
Whether Defra has correctly identified the challenges facing global and UK
food security.
2.
What the views of the food industry and wider public are about the action
the UK Government is taking globally and domestically to address these
challenges and ensure food security.
3. What
further role the
agricultural, retail, and food service sectors can play in ensuring UK food
security.
4.
Whether the food security indicators cover the right areas and measure the
right things.
5.
What steps we should take together if the indicators suggest there is a
problem.
The five key indicators of food supply are:
1.
global availability;
2.
diversity of supply;
3.
food chain resilience;
4.
affordability; and
5.
safety and confidence.
The report also includes a broad consideration of the factors that
contribute to food security and historical and future trends.
To read the report, click here
