Government urges re-think on food production

Following the publication of the first ever UK Food Security Assessment, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn warns of the need for a ‘radical re-think’ of the way the UK produces food to ensure availability of healthy, affordable food in the future.

Although secure at present, the biggest threats to the UK’s food security are stated as coming from climate change, a soaring global population and the UK’s reliance on food imports.

The report states climate change poses a serious threat to future food supplies. Water shortages and disease could significantly alter where crops can be grown. In July this year, the Sustainable Development Commission, (the Government environmental watchdog), warned the current food system is failing and was a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. There is a real need to ensure today’s food production doesn’t damage the natural resources on which future production depends.

The report also states that food production needs to rise by an estimated 70% by 2050 to feed a global population of nine billion. Current food output will not meet demand by 2050 unless this occurs. Speaking to BBC Radio’s Today Programme, Mr. Benn suggested that genetically modified food could be part of a solution to increase production.

The UK’s current reliance of imports for around 40% of its food also raised concerns in the report. Raising the level of domestic food production could make it more vulnerable to disease. However, this must also be weighed against the risk that the UK may not remain wealthy enough to continue this level of food imports by 2050 compared to the emerging BRIC nations, (Brazil, Russia, India and China).

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched a consultation with producers, supermarkets and consumers to investigate how a secure food system would look in 2030. Findings from this consultation are due to be published in August 2009.

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