Dr Neil Hudson MP gave an extensive speech on the need to bolster the nation's food security amid a range of international instability in the agri-food sector.
Reiterating his support for farmers, growers and consumers, Dr Hudson's comments came during a major House of Commons Debate on Food Security, triggered by the Reports on Food Security by the EFRA Committee (on which Dr Hudson sits), the Environmental Audit Committee and the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
Over recent years international food production and its associated supply chains have been hit by instability caused by the pandemic, the War in Ukraine and shipping lane disruption in the Red Sea. As such, British consumers have felt the pinch at the checkout and supermarket shelves have, at times, looked bare.
To combat this and support the UK to become more self-sufficient, Dr Hudson laid out a host of policy areas where Government can continue to make improvements to agriculture.
Foremost among these is the need to bolster the nation's biosecurity. Having drawn on his experiences as a veterinary inspector during the 2001 Foot and Mouth Crisis, Dr Hudson is acutely aware of the implications if animal diseases are allowed to spread. This is particularly pertinent with the increasing proliferation of African Swine Fever throughout continental Europe, which would have devastating consequences if it takes root within the UK's pig populations.
Dr Hudson therefore continued his campaign to improve funding for the Animal and Plant Health Agency's headquarters in Weybridge which hosts the vast majority of British animal disease testing capabilities. The site is in crucial need of investment. You can read more about Dr Hudson's campaign here.
Beyond this, Dr Hudson raised concerns about the UK's domestic fertiliser production which is a key component of our food producing capacity; he reinforced the need to support all types of farm with Environmental Land Management schemes; and make sure the mental health of those in the industry is properly looked after.
You can read a full transcript of Dr Hudson's speech via the official Hansard website, here. And, you can watch the session here - Dr Hudson's speech begins at 15:54:04.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Our brilliant British farmers and growers are crucial to producing world-class food to the highest standards and protecting our precious environment. We need to continue supporting the sector amid the ongoing challenges with weather and international instability.
"I am delighted our Government understands this and set time aside for this critically important debate. We've already made great strides forward with the announcement of an annual Food Security Index, visa programme to support British horticulture, more support for small abattoirs, standing firm on food standards in trade deals and a huge expansion of the ELMs scheme,
"That said, there is always more to be done and I outlined a range of policy areas I'd like to see action on. I'm optimistic our Conservative Government can and will deliver on these."
