Summary
The long-term securing of the UK's food supplies is a fundamental responsibility of Government. Producing sufficient food is only part of the challenge: how food is produced is equally important.
In this Report, 'Securing Food Supplies up to 2050: the Challenges Faced by the UK' (HC 213-I), the Committee notes that increases in production will have to take place in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the food system, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-derived inputs, and conserving soil and water.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) must concentrate on building capacity in the food and farming industries so that they can respond to market signals in ways that will reduce the risk of food shortages.
The Committee sets out a number of conclusions and recommendations, including:
- Consumer engagement will be vital if Defra is to achieve its vision for the UK food system.
- The Report does not advocate food self-sufficiency for the UK and emphasises the importance of strong trading relationships with a variety of countries.
- Defra's response to the challenge of securing food supplies must take place in a European and global context.
- The focus of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy must be on sustainable food production, whilst encouraging European farmers to make their contribution to meeting the world's future food demands.
- The Committee also highlights the development of 'food colonialism' or 'land grabbing' - a phenomenon that involves the large-scale acquisition of land overseas by wealthy investors in order to grow food for people in the investor country.
- The Report also calls for an urgent increase in spending on public-sector food and farming research.
Found this story interesting?
Spread the news by
clicking below to add it to your bookmarking service: