The head of food at UK retailer M&S, Alex Freudmann, has called on the government to set legal targets to boost the country’s food self- sufficiency and increase the proportion of food produced at home.
At present, less than half of the food consumed in the UK is produced here and the general concensus is that it should be much more to ensure security of supply amid global uncertainties.
Freudmann added that the government should replace complex grant funding with simpler incentives and allowances, introduce new training schemes and apprenticeships to entice young people into the industry and demand the same high food standards on imports as on UK goods.
He said not enough priority was given to food production in planning decisions, which have limited the expansion of poultry and egg farms, for example, to meet rising demand.
Marks & Spencer remains committed to sourcing 100% on major products, including beef, chicken, pork and milk, and is investing £7 million in supporting farmers to introduce new technology and sustainable farming practices over the next five years.