Agri-supply industry needs confidence to invest, AIC tells Government at Farm to Fork Summit
The agri-supply industry needs the confidence of a clear land use strategy to invest and boost productivity, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) told the Government at a Farm to Fork Summit today (16 May).
The event, hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, brought together major food and farming industry representatives - including retailers, processors and trade bodies - to discuss the importance of food production and its role in feeding the nation and international trade.
Throughout the morning session AIC's Chief Executive, Robert Sheasby, emphasised the need to raise productivity across the agri-food supply chain.
Robert was part of a working group led by Farming Minister Mark Spencer MP which focused on "strengthening sustainability and productivity".
He highlighted opportunities to lift the productivity of UK agriculture through the innovation and research and development of AIC Member businesses in all sectors.
The value of quality farm advice was also raised, with over 5,000 farm advisers having 44,000 conversations a week on farm in support of productivity and sustainability goals.
Boost productivity
"I was pleased to represent the UK agri-supply industry at today's Farm to Fork Summit to raise important issues around food production and productivity with the Prime Minister," said Mr Sheasby.
"Having a safe and sustainable supply of food cannot be viewed as an optional extra. Today's meeting with the food and farming industry was a positive start.
"We now need stronger engagement and an unwavering focus from the Government to provide a clear land use strategy, which will give industry the confidence to invest and meet the dual targets of sustainability and food security as we work towards a net-zero economy.
"My core message today was that, as an entire food supply chain, we need to strengthen our resilience to global shocks of the kind we've seen in recent years, and a big part of that is finding ways to lift domestic productivity.
"I also highlighted the opportunity for Government to improve regulatory decision-making processes to strengthen productivity and competitiveness - specifically, on the registration of new crop protection products, approval of regulated products such as feed additives and GMOs, and issuing of phytosanitary certificates."
Build resilience
To boost trade and export opportunities, the government has pledged to protect the UK’s high food and welfare standards and prioritise new export opportunities and confirmed that farmers’ interests would be put at the heart of trade policy.
The Government says it will put £2m into boosting its programme of global trade shows and missions, as well as providing £1.6m for the GREAT food and drink campaign. Building on existing overseas network, five additional agri-food and drink attachés are to be appointed to lead on the removal of restrictive market barriers.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Supporting our farmers and food producers must, and always will be, at the heart of our plans to grow the economy and build a more prosperous country.
"That's why I'm proud to host this summit, and working together, I'm determined to build resilience, strengthen our food security and champion the best of British at home and overseas."
Find a summary of outcomes from the UK Farm to Fork summit on the GOV.UK website.