- UK GOVERNMENT URGED TO EMPOWER DOMESTIC FOOD
PRODUCTION TO PRESERVE FOOD SECURITY
The SNP’s Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs spokesperson,
, is set to lead a debate
on food security following growing concerns that the war in
Ukraine will have a huge impact on global food imports.
Warning that shortages of animal feed and fuel cost increases as
a result of the war will have an impact on the cost and supply of
domestic food produce, the Edinburgh North and Leith MP has
called for the UK government to empower domestic agriculture and
abandon ‘laissez-faire’ Brexit trade deal policy.
It is estimated that, amidst the fighting between the two
countries who make up a significant proportion of global crop
production, food prices for British consumers could jump by as
much as 15%.
Highlighting the impact of Brexit related supply chain issues,
and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU leaving British farmers
without access to a proposed €1.5 billion emergency fund to
counter food insecurity, has also called for the UK
Government to provide additional funding to the Scottish
Government and the other devolved nations to ensure they can act
to support their own specific food security needs and
interests.
Commenting, said:
“Even before the war in Ukraine, farmers and food producers in
the UK were facing a perfect storm, with prices quickly
escalating for fertiliser, fuel, energy and feed. Already
this was finding its way into food costs with the highest food
inflation in a decade recorded in February, adding to the Tory
cost of living crisis.
“We thankfully have the means in this country to grow and rear
our own quality food, so it’s more important than ever that we
see that ability nurtured and empowered - starting with a
stripping back of the UK government’s laissez-faire approach to
foreign trade deals that could see knock-off and low-quality
products line our shelves to the detriment of our agriculture
sector.
“We warned that farming would feel the worst effects of the
Tories’ rock hard Brexit which stopped EU nationals coming to
work here and created new red tape and barriers to trade. That is
having an impact on our food security.
"Empty supermarket shelves may not be our only worry if the UK
government doesn’t act. Farmers need a package of support,
similar to the proposals in the EU, to strengthen food security
and assist agriculture workers.
“We may see devastating global effects of this war and the
insecurity it’ll cause before too long - it’s crucial we are
prepared.”
