The new government is being urged to take action to prevent a further decline in self-sufficiency, as recent figures show that levels for some foods are at their lowest since records began.

The significance of boosting self-sufficiency levels has been underscored recently on August 14, marking the day the national food supply would run out if the UK public consumed only domestic produce from January 1.

According to 2023 Defra statistics, the UK is currently 62% self-sufficient in food, a figure consistent with the past decade, although certain sectors have experienced a recent downturn.

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For instance, the UK’s self-sufficiency in fresh vegetables has dropped to 53%, the lowest level since records began in 1988.

The NFU has emphasised that the new Labour government must recognise the weakness of global food supply chains and the crucial importance of maintaining a stable food supply within the UK.

This year, farmers have faced one of the wettest winters and springs on record, adding strain to food production.

This has also led to a significant decline in farm business confidence, resulting in a sharp reduction in the area planted with cereals for the 2024 harvest.

Concurrently, record-breaking global temperatures have affected key exporting countries worldwide.

Imports account for 84% of fresh tomatoes sold in the UK, yet tomato imports from Spain and Morocco fell by 17% in February 2023 compared to the five-year average.

During the same period, imports of various lettuce types dropped by over 36%, contributing to shortages on store shelves as UK production also declined.

Tom Bradshaw NFU President stated: “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 – produce high quality, nutritious food for the nation.

"And 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."

The NFU has called on the government to implement several measures, including a multi-year agricultural budget and a statutory commitment to ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency does not fall below its current level.

What else is the NFU advocating for?

The union has outlined several ways the new government can help maintain self-sufficiency in the future:

  • An increased multi-year agricultural budget for the duration of this parliament, as was the case in the previous parliament.
  • Ensure all new policies and regulations affecting agricultural and horticultural businesses undergo a food security impact assessment.
  • Introduce a statutory commitment to ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency does not decline below its current level.
  • Ensure food imports meet the same standards as those required of British farmers by introducing a system of core standards for animal welfare and environmental impact.
  • A seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are accessible to all farmers and growers.
  • Fulfil the manifesto commitment of introducing a target for half of all food purchased across the public sector to be locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards.
  • Update the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to include a stronger emphasis on food production.
  • Support the growth of the UK horticulture sector by developing policies around access to labour, crop protection, water, planning, and affordable and sustainable energy supply.