New Drive to Promote British-Made Food

The country is now only 62% self-sufficient, compared to 75% in 1991. If everything produced in a year was stored and eaten from 1st January, supplies would run out on 14th August.

In response, Peter Kendall, president of the NFU, launched a charter for the industry and public to sign, pledging their support for more British-produced food.

Mr Kendall said, “To think that today’s date would signal the time when our domestic food supply runs out is alarming. We must act. We have the right technologies to produce more from less with precision farming helping to target fertiliser and crop protection products within centimetres. Laser technology can even pinpoint an individual weed, improving accuracy and efficiency. Crops grown under cover help to lengthen the season for our British fruits.

“We have learned the lessons of complex supply chains and retailers are telling me they want to work with British farmers to ensure their shelves are stocked with more British produce. We currently import around £37.6 billion of food and drink. We are a trading nation but at a time of economic uncertainty a strong food producing industry is essential.

“Consumers are increasingly showing their support for British farming and are our best ally. I would ask them to continue showing their support by demanding of their local supermarket, restaurant or MP what are you doing to back British farming?”