Hc 243 Food Security

The UK is currently 68% self-sufficient in foods which can be produced at home, but this key indicator has declined steadily over the past 20 years, from 87%. The report says the biggest long-term challenge to food production systems is the impact of extreme weather events resulting from climate change. The Committee supports the idea of 'sustainable intensification' - producing more food with fewer resources - and calls on Defra to stem decline in UK self-sufficiency and deliver more resilience in the UK food system. It notes that for key cereal crops, for example wheat, yield levels have not increased for over 15 years. Other recommendations include: supermarkets to shorten supply chains to reduce threats of disruption; UK farmers to extend seasonal production of fresh fruit and vegetables in coordination with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board, and local and central Government; Government to reduce dependence on imported soybean for animal feed, as increased demand for protein from emerging economies threatens current supply lines; and Government to produce a detailed emissions reduction plan for the UK agricultural sector. The Committee welcomes the Government's new £160 million AgriTech Strategy to translate technological ideas into farm practice but warns that current funding levels are insufficient. The Government must also lead a public debate to counter food safety fears among consumers about GM foods and ensure a more evidence-based approach to EU licensing of GM crops. New farmers are needed in the sector, to ensure that farming has a future in the UK.