The UK's food system is facing growing risks. Discover why business leaders are calling on Andy Burnham to take urgent action before it's too late.

Andy Burnham on food security has become the focus of a growing campaign backed by major retailers, charities and food manufacturers, all calling for urgent action to make Britain's food system more resilient. The group believes the UK's food system is becoming increasingly weak because of climate change, global conflicts and rising living costs.

To help tackle the problem, they are calling for a Good Food Bill, which would create long-term rules to improve food security, support British farmers and make healthy food more accessible and affordable for everyone. The campaign has received backing from retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Waitrose and Co-op, along with Danone, Barnardo's, WWF-UK and several other organisations.

Current Britain's Food Supply

Over the past few years, the UK's food system has faced challenge after challenge. Extreme weather, rising farming costs and international conflicts have all made it harder and more expensive to produce food.

British fruit and vegetable production has dropped by 16% since 2015, while the country now imports around 78% of its supply. That means the UK depends heavily on food coming from overseas, making it more exposed when global events disrupt supply chains. Fertilizer prices have also increased sharply, adding more pressure on farmers.

Families are already feeling the impact. Food prices are expected to be around 50% higher than they were at the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis in 2021. As groceries become more expensive, many households are cutting back on fresh fruit and vegetables and choosing cheaper options just to stay within their budget.

"We need a more resilient food system that attracts investment, supports British farmers and helps keep affordable, nutritious food on tables across the nation," said Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, while supporting the proposed Good Food Bill.

Can a New Law Make Britain's Food System Stronger?

The proposed law would set long-term goals for improving public health, reducing childhood obesity, increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables people eat, encouraging more food to be grown in Britain and reducing household food insecurity. It would also require the government to regularly report on its progress and keep food policy high on the national agenda.

Many of the organisations behind the campaign say food should be treated as a national priority, just like energy and defense. They believe that planning ahead today will help Britain better deal with future challenges, whether they come from climate change, economic pressures or global events. As Business Fortune observes, building a stronger and more resilient food system now could help protect families, farmers and the wider economy from the next major food crisis.

 

FAQs

Why are companies asking Andy Burnham to focus on food security?

They believe the UK's food system is becoming more vulnerable and want food security to be treated as a national priority before another major disruption happens.

What is the Good Food Bill?

It is a proposed law that would create long-term plans to improve food security, public health and support for British farming.

Why is the UK's food supply under pressure?

Climate change, global conflicts, rising farming costs and heavy reliance on imported food have all made the food system more vulnerable.

How could the Good Food Bill benefit families?

It aims to improve access to healthy, affordable food, reduce food insecurity and create a stronger food system for the future.

What could happen if no action is taken?

Supporters warn that future food shortages and rising prices could become even more severe, affecting families, businesses and farmers across the UK