Ahead of the national security strategy, the NFU has called on the government to match words with actions and ensure that food security is firmly embedded within the strategy.
Its own manifesto states that food security is national security, aligning with the view of former MI5 director general Baroness Manningham-Buller, who said that food production is key pillar in the country’s critical infrastructure.
However, a recent report by the National Preparedness Commission highlighted the precarious state of the UK’s food system.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “We are facing into an increasingly volatile world. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report5 forecasts heightened global instability over the next decade, with conflict and economic shocks on the rise and extreme weather becoming the norm. It’s therefore vital that the resilience of our food system is considered a strategic priority.
“The nation was reminded all too recently of the consequences of fragile food supply chains, with supermarket shelves bare and fresh produce rationed because of high production costs here and bad harvests abroad.
“If ministers truly believe their own words and take the experts seriously, they’ll seize this moment to put food security at the heart of our national security strategy. It’s not just an opportunity – it’s a necessity to safeguard the future of food for the nation.”