New NFU analysis, published on Back British Farming Day, reveals that UK self-sufficiency fell in 10 of the 11 food commodities examined between 1995 and 2024. The union is urging ministers to set ambitious targets for homegrown food.
Fresh vegetable self-sufficiency dropped from 74% to 55%, while potatoes fell from 90% to 70%. These measure domestic production relative to supply, rather than equivalent percentage reductions in harvest volumes.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw has called for defined food production targets supported by a core set of standards. The body says that agri-food import volumes increased by 70% over the period, while export volumes stalled. It argues that farmers and growers are ready to meet growing demand, but face considerable barriers to expansion.