West Dorset’s MP, Chris Loder, has called for the UK’s food self-sufficiency to be ‘way above’ current levels. At present, the UK is 60% self-sufficient in all foods but relies heavily on imports of fruit and vegetables. In addition, Mr Loder has expressed his opposition to Grade One and Grade Two agricultural land being taken out of food production.
Mr Loder said: “We should be harnessing highly fertile land to take our self-sufficiency levels way above 60% and to support our farmers who produce much of what we consume in this country, because food security is as important as any other matter. I shall look to closely monitor the impact of climate change and global insecurity on supply chains.”
Mr Loder’s comments follow the Government’s recent announcement to invest £2.4 billion annually in farming, and to make it a legal requirement to publish a Food Security Index every year, with a commitment to ensure a baseline food production of 60% of food preserved in the UK.
