New figures from Defra reveal self-sufficiency in some food sectors is at its lowest level since records began in 1988.

While the new Labour government is being urged to boost self sufficiency, the latest statistics show that while the UK is 62% self-sufficient in food, fresh vegetables are at their lowest level at 53%.

This year, farmers have experienced one of the wettest winters and springs on record, which has put pressure on food production. This has also contributed to a collapse in farm business confidence, causing a dramatic decline in the area planted of cereals for the 2024 harvest.

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At the same time, record-breaking global temperatures have impacted key exporting countries across the world. Imports make up 84% of fresh tomatoes on sale in the UK, yet tomato imports from Spain and Morocco fell by 17% in February 2023 compared to the five-year average.

In the same time period, imports of lettuce varieties fell by more than 36%, contributing to shortages on shop shelves as UK production also fell.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Blistering temperatures have caused issues with harvests across Europe, while here in the UK many farms spent the first few months of this year under water.

“At the same time, our farmers continue to face significant reductions in direct farm support payments and unsustainably high production costs due to the war in Ukraine. All of this chips away at business confidence and farmers’ ability to do what they do best.”

“With nearly a fifth of UK households reporting experiences of moderate or severe food insecurity in January 2023, we can’t afford to let this trend take hold.