NFU calls for Government action six months on from Farm to Fork Summit

Six months on from the Farm to Fork Summit hosted by Number 10, the NFU has called for Government to deliver on its promises to 'back British farming' by ensuring fairness in the food supply chain. 

The EFRA Committee have shared similar calls earlier this week criticising the Government for a 'leisurely approach to food security', adding the the Prime Minister must commit to an annual update on UK Food Security, as well as a Food Security Summit.

NFU president Minette Batters said food security should always remain a 'top priority for any Government', adding it was not just about sustaining farmers it was about safeguarding a fundamental part of nation's resilience and stability via a secure supply of homegrown food. 

Food security

She said: "Britain's farmers and growers have faced a perfect storm of challenges in recent months, including crippling input costs, volatile supply chains and extreme weather events, against a backdrop of changes to farm support and agricultural policy. These have all created unsustainable levels of uncertainty and low confidence across the sector.

Read also: Government criticised for 'leisurely approach' to food security 

Warning food security will crumble if farmers do not get treated fairly

"After meeting with the new Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay the day after his appointment this week, I pressed the need for urgent action on the vitally important sector reviews that are taking place. They must have tangible impact on the relationship with farmers and the supply chain. Currently farmers and growers bear the brunt of the risks and cost within the food supply chain and this is unsustainable for all involved.

Minette Batters

"This reality is playing out in real time with a fractured sugar supply chain - an acute example of the burden put on primary producers. Meanwhile, other sectors such as dairy, eggs and horticulture remain under pressure as Defra conducts the promised supply chain investigations in each one."

Ms Batters highlighted it had been six months since she sat down at the Farm to Fork Summit with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak where she called for a national food security summit, and a Government commitment to work towards 60 per cent self-sufficiency - both of which happened. 

She said: "I have urged the new Secretary of State to ensure Defra's supply chain reviews within the dairy, horticulture and poultry sectors deliver much-needed improvements to the operation, fairness and transparency for all farmers and growers, so we can continue what we do best - provide high-quality, climate-friendly food for the nation."