A wake-up call

There's been much talk over the past few days about Defra's assessment of food security in the UK. I have to say, I've found the report a real eye-opener. I've always thought things were getting out of hand, especially when it comes to importing food, but it's not until the figures are laid out in front of you that it starts to sink in. Here's a few of the numbers that caught my eye:

• In 1993, UK farmers supplied 77% of UK vegetables. That number is currently around 50%
• Self-sufficiency in indigenous food has fallen from 82% in 1998 to 73% in 2008
• Between 1997 and 2008 land for vegetable production fell by a quarter
  

It doesn't paint a great picture, does it? I found the last point the most worrying, but at the very least, we know that the pattern isn't sustainable – in no time at all, we'd be wholly reliant on imported food.

The aim of this report, says Defra, is to stimulate a debate on what needs to be done. They've been much-maligned in the past, but here I think they're right – action needs to be taken, and soon.

The more sustainable, seasonal and local production is promoted the better, both commercially and in our back gardens. It's a simple solution, but will it get the backing it needs from the Government? I hope so.


Have a great week.


Edwin