NFU warns UK Government about country's reduced self-sufficiency in food
Great Britain can survive on its own food only 7 months and one week, says NFU President Minette Batters. The country's self-sufficiency in food has dropped from 74% in 1987 to 60% last year, according to statistics issued by DEFRA, and that is a major concern in the light of Brexit.
"The statistics show a concerning long-term decline in the UK’s self-sufficiency in food and there is a lot of potential for this to be reversed. And while we recognise the need for importing food which can only be produced in different climates, if we maximise on the food that we can produce well in the UK then that will deliver a whole host of economic, social and environmental benefits to the country. Home-grown food production must have the unwavering support of Government if we are to achieve this post-Brexit", declared Minette Batters in a document addressed to the British Government.
Northern Irelan was the single UK nation that recognises the importance of food security in post-Brexit policy development, while future agricultural policy consultations in England, Scotland and Wales all failed to mention it, informs Farmers Guardian. The farming sector can be one of the most impacted in case of a hard-Brexit, added NFU president while asking the officials to negotiate a frictionless free trade deal with the EU and access to a reliable and competent workforce for farm businesses.
Ironically, the UK is a net exporter of meat but relies on imports of bacon and poultry meat. The same awkward situation is to be found in sectors such as dairy and egg, with Britain exporting more milk and cream products than it produces, and imports almost three times as much cheese as it exports and almost twice as many eggs than its own production.
(Photo source: Flickr/Chris Waits)
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