A Food System on Shaky Ground: Will Burnham Listen?

Major supermarkets, charities, and farming organizations have joined forces to urge Andy Burnham to prioritize food security in his policy agenda. The joint letter, signed by a coalition of heavy hitters, warns that the UK’s food system is on shaky ground.

The UK’s production of fruit and vegetables has taken a 16% hit since 2015, with 78% of its supply now imported. This makes Britain woefully vulnerable to global shocks: international conflict has pushed fertilizer costs up by around 40% since last year, while more frequent extreme weather events are making harvests increasingly precarious.

The consequences are already being felt on the ground. UK food prices are set to be a staggering 50% higher by November compared to levels at the start of the cost-of-living crisis in mid-2021. This is not just an economic concern; it’s also a public health crisis waiting to happen, as struggling families increasingly turn to cheaper, less healthy options.

The proposed Good Food Bill aims to address these pressing issues head-on by placing food policy on a statutory long-term footing for the first time. The legislation would set legally binding targets to reduce childhood obesity, boost fruit and vegetable consumption (and production), and alleviate household food insecurity.

Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts has succinctly captured the gravity of the situation: “We need a more resilient food system that attracts investment, backs British farmers, and helps keep affordable, nutritious food on tables across the nation.” This is not just about food security; it’s also about economic resilience and long-term sustainability.

The fact that such a broad coalition has come together to push for this legislation speaks volumes about the urgency of the issue. But will Burnham listen? History suggests that policy priorities often favor short-term gains over long-term consequences, making it uncertain whether he will be willing to take on vested interests and make food security a national priority.

The Good Food Bill has the potential to transform the UK’s food system, creating a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable framework for all. Burnham would do well to heed this warning: failure to act will have far-reaching consequences that will be felt for generations to come. The ball is in his court now.