Plea for food policy to protect British producers and consumers

A CALL has been made for a robust food policy that protects British producers and consumers from the cost-of- living crisis.

It comes from the National Sheep Association (NSA) whose chief executive, Phil Stocker, said: "Continued disruption to the global food supply chain has been building for some months now, not only due to the war in Ukraine, increased input prices and little certainty or continuity from government departments but also unprecedented weather conditions this year have added fuel to the fire. Since the publication of the National Food Strategy there has been little progress from government on how it proposes to protect the UK’s food supply chains and ensure food security is at the heart of future policy."

The warning comes amid soaring food prices and a rise in inflation with the situation expected to get worse over the winter months.

Mr Stocker said it is vital the future of farming and food security is at the forefront of any government department changes over the coming weeks.

He added: "Although the National Food Strategy was welcomed it is time to put aspirations into policy and support rural communities and agriculture through what will be yet more turbulent circumstances for everyone across the nation.

"It is time for policy makers and government leaders to realise the fragility of the UK’s food supply chain and provide support to the growers and producers integral to feeding the nation."

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