The need to improve food resilience from farm to consumer is being flagged up almost daily. The UK now produces less than 60% of its food with fruit only 14%. At the same time our supply lines for imports are at high risk from geo-political factors, poor harvests, climate change, and price inflation.
England has suffered its second worst harvest on record after the unprecedented wet weather last winter and recent downpours, leaving many farmers unable to drill crops.
The wheat harvest is estimated to be 10m tonnes, or 21% down on 2023. Winter barley is 26% down on last year, while oilseed rape is down 32%. In total, the harvest for wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape is down by 15% on 2023 and 18% on the five-year average.
For livestock producers, input costs have increased by 44% since 2019. Pig farming saw the greatest input costs with an increase of 54%. Dairy farms and beef and sheep farms saw a 44% and 39% increase respectively. For cereals and mixed farms, inputs increased by 43%.
While farm input costs increased by more than 40%, the total funding pot for agriculture in the UK has remained frozen since 2019. The farming budget would need to increase by 44% to £3.4 billion just to offset the effect of inflation.
To look not only at the threats posed by these recent trends, but also positive ways in which Cornwall can react, a conference is to take place for farmers, food producers, and all interested in food chains, healthy eating, sustainable soils and the environment.
27 February 2025, The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge PL27 7JE
10:00 – 16:30 (reception from 09:00)
Key speakers will include
Professor Tim Lang
Emeritus Professor of Food Policy. City, University of London. A world leader in the field of food policy and food systems, and prolific award-winning author.
Dr Pete Falloon
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Bristol University. Specialising in climate-resilient food systems, soils, and ecosystems. Lead on Food Security to the Met Office.
Harriet Bell
Lead in Regenerative Farming for Riverford Organics. Experience also in environmental land management and food and farming resilience.
Jayne Kirkham MP
Member of the House of Commons DEFRA Select Committee.
Seats are available at £15 (plus Eventbrite charge) through https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-security-resilience-in-a-changing-world-tickets-1079144713889?aff=oddtdtcreator
This includes refreshments and a buffet lunch by Tinkers Catering.
For more information on the conference generally contact our Treasurer Ashley Wood on ashley@cornwallfoodandfarming.org
This event is supported by
