Pressure on UK farmers threatens food security amid rising costs and climate challenges
UK farmers face significant financial pressures due to rising costs of red diesel and fertilizers, with some businesses at risk of closure.
In Brief
- •UK farmers face significant financial pressures due to rising costs of red diesel and fertilizers, with some businesses at risk of closure.
- •The UK's food supply chain is vulnerable to multiple threats, including climate change, geopolitical shocks, and cyber-attacks.
- •Government efforts to improve food security are underway, but experts warn of a lack of preparedness for multiple crises.
- •The National Audit Office has criticized the government's previous food supply chain planning, which excluded key businesses.
- •A recent letter signed by over 150 food experts and academics urges the government to take food security more seriously.
Why It Matters
The challenges faced by UK farmers and the vulnerability of the food supply chain have significant implications for national security and public health. As the UK becomes more dependent on imports and faces multiple crises simultaneously, ensuring food security becomes increasingly critical. The government's response to these threats will have far-reaching consequences for the economy and society as a whole.
Key Details
- Percentage of UK food produced domestically
- 60%
- Increase in cost of red diesel since Iran conflict began
- Almost doubled
- Increase in cost of fertilizers since Iran conflict began
- About 20%
- Date of parliamentary hearings on food supply resilience
- Monday
Context & Background
The UK's food supply chain has historically been resilient, but recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that preparedness for multiple crises is lacking. The government's previous food supply chain planning has been criticized for excluding key businesses, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach.
What To Watch
Monday's parliamentary hearings on the resilience of the UK's food supply
Original Reporting & Sources
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