Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, investigated the factors underlying recent food price rises and quizzed industry experts on what government can do to better support the vital agri-food sector and the wider food procurement chain.
Alongside EFRA (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Committee colleagues from the Conservative, Labour and Scottish National Parties, Dr Hudson took evidence from a range of high-profile farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers amid the backdrop of supply chain disruption.
Dr Hudson asked those in attendance a wide range of questions on issues from the UK’s fertiliser production capabilities, the new farming payment schemes, to animal welfare implications, to food waste reporting mechanisms and veterinary agreements in Northern Ireland.
This evidence session will inform an EFRA Committee report to be presented to Government, so decision makers are kept abreast of how policy is being felt on the ground.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“I thank all those who gave evidence. The rapidly increasing cost of food is one of the most pressing issues facing people at the moment, so it is crucial we get to the bottom of the myriad causes.
“Ultimately, we need to implement a holistic food strategy that considers all aspects of our food security. And, in order to do this, we need a robust mechanism for gathering evidence and informing Government. I’m really proud of the role our cross-party EFRA Committee is taking in this, and I have no doubt it will go some way towards easing pressure on people when they get to the tills whilst also making sure our agri-food sector remains productive and resilient moving forward.”
Those giving evidence were: Ed Barker, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation; Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union; Will Jackson, Sector Strategy Director for Beef & Lamb, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board; Andrew Opie, Director of Food Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium; David Thomson, Director of Strategy & Devolved Nations and CEO Scotland for the Food and Drink Federation; and James Walton, Chief Economist at the Institute of Grocery Distribution.
