…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Government’s Decision to Scrap Horticulture Strategy Disappoints Campaigners
Campaigners have expressed their “extreme disappointment” at the government’s decision to abandon plans to develop a horticulture strategy ahead of the Downing Street Food Summit, which aims to address the issue of food inflation.
Anna Taylor, the executive director of the Food Foundation, described this move as “extraordinary” considering the importance of securing a resilient supply of fruits and vegetables.
Urgent Need for a Horticulture Strategy
Anna Taylor emphasized that a horticulture strategy would have provided an opportunity to establish long-term, cohesive policies that support the UK horticulture sector and ensure sufficient availability of affordable fruits and vegetables.
Given the rising cost of healthy foods during the current cost-of-living crisis and the recent shortages of fresh produce, securing a robust supply chain is crucial.
Challenges and Vulnerabilities in the Supply Chain
The challenges faced during the cost-of-living crisis and the empty shelves in supermarkets have revealed the fragility of the current supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable due to climate change.
Anna Taylor hopes that the food summit will lead to a renewed commitment to developing a comprehensive horticulture strategy that not only supports the sector but also brings numerous benefits to health, the environment, the economy, and food security in the UK.
Government’s Response and Priorities
In response to a question from Labour’s shadow climate change minister Kerry McCarthy, farming minister Mark Spencer stated that the government remains committed to a prosperous horticulture sector.
However, he clarified that they will not be developing a published strategy for the horticulture sector as originally planned, citing the complex and ever-evolving nature of the sector.
The government is prioritizing policy work that maximizes impact through various avenues, including seasonal worker visas, labor reviews, automation, and investment programs.
Food Summit’s Focus and Rising Food Prices
The food summit, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to foster cooperation across the supply chain and support the resilience of the food sector.
It comes at a time when food and non-alcoholic drink prices have experienced the fastest rate of increase in over 45 years, contributing significantly to the cost-of-living crisis.
With over half of the UK’s fruits and vegetables being imported and recent shortages highlighting the risks of reliance on imports, the summit holds particular significance.
Food Insecurity and Calls for Action
The Food Foundation’s latest figures indicate that food insecurity has doubled in the past year, affecting millions of adults and children in the UK.
The organization is calling on retailers to play a greater role in supporting access to healthy essentials.
Vicky Hird, head of sustainable farming at Sustain, emphasized the need for action on long-awaited codes of practice for supply chains and the development of a strategy that connects farmers with consumers in a fair and equitable manner.
The decision to scrap the horticulture strategy has drawn strong criticism from campaigners who believe it is a missed opportunity to address key issues related to food security and affordability.
The concerns expressed by the Food Foundation highlight the importance of a resilient supply chain and the need for long-term policies to support the horticulture sector.
The government’s explanation for prioritizing other policy work indicates a shift in focus but leaves open questions about the future of the sector.
The upcoming food summit
The impact of food inflation on households across the UK cannot be understated.
With the cost of living crisis intensifying, access to affordable and nutritious food is crucial.
The government’s decision to scrap the horticulture strategy raises concerns about the potential consequences for consumers and the horticulture sector itself.
Campaigners are urging the summit to take decisive action by implementing long-awaited codes of practice for supply chains and developing a strategy that promotes fair and equitable relationships between farmers and consumers.
This includes addressing the current wealth extraction from the food system and establishing policies that support local and sustainable farming practices.
As the government faces mounting pressure to address the challenges in the food sector, the outcomes of the food summit will be closely watched.
It remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision regarding the horticulture strategy and prioritize the development of a comprehensive plan that ensures a resilient supply of fruits and vegetables, supports the sector’s growth, and addresses the concerns of consumers.
In the face of rising food prices, food insecurity, and supply chain vulnerabilities, it is essential that government, industry, and civil society work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive food system.
The decisions made in the coming weeks and months will have a profound impact on the future of food security and affordability in the UK.