Securing Food Supplies up to 2050: the Challenges Faced by the UK

HC 213-I, Fourth Report of Session 2008-09 - Volume I: Report, Together with Formal Minutes

Author:: House of Commons - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Publisher:: TSO (The Stationery Office)

Securing Food Supplies up to 2050: the Challenges Faced by the UK (HC 213-I)

The long-term securing of the UK's food supplies is a fundamental responsibility of Government. 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.

Producing sufficient food is only part of the challenge: how food is produced is equally important. 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 Committee sets out a number of conclusions and recommendations:

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.

The accompanying 'Securing Food Supplies up to 2050: the Challenges Faced by the UK - Volume II: Oral and Written Evidence (HC 213-II)' (ISBN 9780215540096) is available to buy separately, please see below.

Extent	68 pages	ISBN	9780215540089
Size	A4	Price	£13.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	21 Jul 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges