Farming leaders have issued a stark warning about a growing food security crisis as UK production falls and reliance on imports rises. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) reports that self-sufficiency in 10 out of 11 staple foods—including wheat, vegetables, beef, poultry, and eggs—has declined over the past three decades. The warning comes from the NFU's latest report, Ready to Grow, which calls on the Government to set ambitious targets for homegrown food.
Report highlights public support for homegrown food
The report reveals that 93 per cent of households believe it is important to maintain or increase UK food self-sufficiency. Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, said: "Our report paints a stark picture of falling production and an increasing reliance on imported food while at the same time the world is becoming more unstable. We can’t rely on the rest of the world to feed us."
Bradshaw added: "Successive governments have sleepwalked into making it harder to produce food at home, leaving Britain increasingly reliant on imports produced to standards that would be illegal here." The NFU released the report on Back British Farming Day, September 9, as a warning and a call for urgent action.
Financial pressures on farmers
The report details the financial strain on the sector. It finds that 65 per cent of wheat and barley grown on cereal farms comes from businesses operating at a loss. On lowland livestock farms, only 26 per cent of some sheep products came from profitable groups.
Bradshaw said: "Farmers are battling devastating drought, disease outbreaks, and soaring costs. At the same time, policy uncertainty, chronic underinvestment, and a restrictive planning system are eroding Britain’s ability to produce its own food. This must and can be reversed."
Contributing factors and economic impact
The report identifies several factors behind the decline in food security, including the worst drought in 50 years, which is expected to cost wheat growers £370 million, and the UK’s largest-ever outbreak of bluetongue. Rising fuel, fertiliser, and energy costs, linked to the conflict in Iran, are also placing intense strain on farm finances.
Despite these challenges, agriculture continues to contribute significantly to the UK economy. Gross value added (GVA) has risen by 57 per cent in England, supporting the UK’s largest manufacturing sector—food and drink—which is worth £162.3 billion and supports 4.1 million jobs.
Call for government action
Bradshaw emphasised the sector's potential: "Despite these pressures, British farmers continue to deliver jobs, growth and food, while playing a crucial role in supporting rural communities, as their firefighting efforts this summer have shown. With the right backing, they can do even more."
He outlined key demands: "Clearly defined targets for food production and a set of core standards are the start. A planning system that enables growth and a tax system that recognises the need to invest are crucial." Bradshaw concluded: "We want to work with Defra’s Farming and Food Partnership Board to build a competitive sector, one that realises its ambitions and unlocks growth in every part of the country. This matters today on Back British Farming Day, and it matters for tomorrow and the 29 million households needing affordable, safe food."