Tatton MP Esther McVey has met with representatives from the farming industry to discuss what more needs to be done to improve UK food security.
She attended the Farm to Fork Summit in Downing Street – the second event of its kind, bringing together 70 food and farming businesses.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new plans to support farmers and grow the UK’s farming and food sector, through improved food security and boosting production. Measures set out included a blueprint for increasing UK fruit and vegetable production and introducing legislation to ensure fairness and transparency in contracts so all farmers get paid fairly for their produce.
Ms McVey said: “Our farmers work tirelessly to ensure food supply and it is right we do everything possible to support them and future-proof British farming.
“I am passionate about buying British and buying local. The measures announced by the Prime Minister will help increase domestic production and ensure a strong farming sector for years to come.”
Just 17 per cent of fruit consumed is grown in the country and 55 per cent of vegetables, and government said it plans to support the industry by cutting red tape, tackling export barriers, and providing extra investment to get crops in the ground faster.
A UK Food Security Index will also be introduced which will allow government and the industry to monitor external factors that can impact food security, such as extreme weather conditions or international factors such as Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Ms McVey added: “I regularly have meetings with ministerial colleagues to discuss farming matters and issues of concern raised by my Cheshire farmers. I am delighted government is showing its continued support for the sector and doing everything possible to support our domestic food security. I know from talking to my farmers how difficult things have been and what they want to see happen, and I will keep raising these issues at the highest level of government.”
