Post-Brexit Food security plan biggest shake-up in 40 years

The UK’s food security shall be assessed on a regular basis by parliament to ensure minimal disruption to supplies after the country leaves the EU and while new trade deals are sought.

The commitment will be part of the biggest shakeup of British agriculture in 40 years and requires a regular report to MPs outlining supply sources and household expenditure on food, as well as consumer confidence in food safety.

The proposed revision reflects concerns over potential disruptions post-Brexit, since 30% of the food consumed in the UK originates in the EU, and another 20% in non-EU countries, with half of the UK's food being imported, any change to its trading arrangements could affect its food supply.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, identified the four pillars of food security as availability, access, utilization, and stability.

Food security, as defined by the United Nations' Committee on World Food Security, means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

The bill promises Greater emphasis on the soil, which is at risk from overuse, erosion and nutrient loss. Under the proposed changes farmers shall receive help with the upkeep of healthy soils, as well as improvements to the tracing of livestock movements between farms. There will be powers to regulate fertiliser use and organic farming after Brexit.

SS