UK would run out of food TODAY but for imports

The UK’s larders would be bare if the country relied only on home grown produce to feed it this year, farming leaders have said.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Aug 2015, 01:34 BST
UK would run out of food today if not for importsUK would run out of food today if not for imports
UK would run out of food today if not for imports

By the mid-2040s, the UK’s population will have reached 77 million and will only be able to meet around half its needs from food grown and produced here if action is not taken to improve domestic production, the NFU said.

The farming organisation warned of a perfect storm for British farming, with falling farm-gate prices, a continued downward trend in global markets for household essentials such as milk and supermarkets devaluing food, leaving many farmers in a dire situation.

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NFU president Meurig Raymond urged retailers, the Government and the public to back UK farming, saying “If you want great British food tomorrow, then buy great British food today.

Meurig Raymond, President of the National Farmers' UnionMeurig Raymond, President of the National Farmers' Union
Meurig Raymond, President of the National Farmers' Union

“Everybody should be concerned and treat this projected decline in Britain’s ability to feed itself as a wake-up call.

“Sustainably increasing production is a challenge I know farmers are up for, but they need to have the conditions which make it possible for them to have a viable future.”

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