The Fresh Produce Consortium has issued a stark warning that the UK’s food security could be severely impacted by current government trade policies.
The industry body cautioned that these policies might lead to increased costs and disruptions in fresh produce imports.
At the heart of the concern is the notion that Britain cannot simply “grow its way out” of its food security challenges.
A robust and balanced global supply network remains crucial to ensuring year-round access to fresh produce.
Amid rising pressures to boost domestic food production, the Fresh Produce Consortium argues that such a strategy oversimplifies the complex issue.
- Fresh Produce Consortium warns of food security risks in the UK.
- Government trade policies may raise costs and disrupt produce imports.
- Domestic production alone cannot address food security challenges.
- Global supply networks are vital for year-round access to fresh produce.
- Maintaining both local production and global trade routes is essential.
Nigel Jenney, the chief executive of the consortium, highlighted the risks of focusing too narrowly on domestic production.
He noted that land availability and exposure to similar climate shocks as those affecting overseas regions pose significant challenges.
Jenney emphasized that while the UK can indeed grow more domestically, true food security requires a careful balance between local production and diverse seasonal sourcing globally.
The consortium’s warning comes as the UK government considers new “Reset” arrangements with the EU, which include potential changes to sanitary and phytosanitary checks on food imports.
These proposed changes could impose unnecessary regulatory and financial burdens on imports from non-EU countries.
Jenney questioned the rationale behind adopting EU rules for food meant solely for UK consumption, suggesting it could heighten the risks to the nation’s food security.
The consortium stressed the strategic importance of maintaining strong trading relationships with non-EU suppliers.
Jenney further criticized the potential policy changes for lacking a solid scientific basis.
He argued that the proposed regulations would add no meaningful benefit to UK trade or consumers.
The Fresh Produce Consortium has repeatedly offered practical proposals to support trade with both the EU and the rest of the world.
However, the organization fears that the fresh produce sector could be ignored, leaving businesses to bear the brunt of short-term political decisions.
The consortium insists that the UK must avoid replacing one supply risk with another, underscoring that food security depends on keeping both domestic production and global trade routes open.
