The UK’s Food Security Report 2024, published in December, reveals the challenges shaping the nation’s food production and sustainability. From extreme weather and political upheaval to rising food waste, it outlines the pressing issues impacting the way we grow, trade, and consume food. But what do these findings mean for everyday consumers, especially here in Sheffield? And how can we, as a community, take action? Let’s break it down.
The UK’s food system is in a delicate balance, with the country sourcing around 60% of its food from domestic production and 40% from imports. The overall ratio of domestic food production in the UK has stayed about the same in recent years, with a small rise since 2021. This suggests that the country’s food production is stable. However, the UK still relies quite a bit on imported food to satisfy its needs. As this situation continues, it’s important for the UK to focus on how it manages its own food production to ensure everyone has enough to eat in the future.
The UK faces significant challenges in food production due to extreme weather events and geopolitical issues. Heavy rainfall and droughts cause crop yield fluctuations, which are worsening with climate change. For instance, In 2020, cereal production in the UK dropped dramatically, producing 6.5 million tonnes less than in 2019. It is also estimated there was a 22% decrease in wheat production in 2024 compared to the previous year, which will ultimately be high prices for you and me.
The UK has improved its domestic food production, for example, with the supply of fresh fruit increasing from 8% in 2003 to 16% in 2023. However, it still heavily relies on imports of fruits, vegetables, and seafood, which are vital for nutrition. Many supplying countries face climate-related challenges that can disrupt supply chains and drive up prices. For example, shortages of broccoli and cauliflower are anticipated this spring due to autumn flooding in Europe. And it’s not just the weather: geopolitical events, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (named the breadbasket of Europe), caused a ripple effect across the global supply chain, driving up food prices.
The decline in agricultural land is also impacting food production in the UK. From 2021 to 2023, agricultural land decreased by 1.2%, reflecting a long-term trend. This reduction coincides with a gradual decline in overall agricultural productivity. A large portion of agricultural land is still used for producing animal feed, leaving less space for growing food for human consumption. This allocation of land raises concerns about food security and sustainability.
Because of poor land management, farmland’s natural resources and benefits, such as healthy soil and clean water, have been declining, largely due to land management practices. In the UK, biodiversity—the variety of life on Earth—has shown a steady decrease in species abundance. The all-species indicator in England is now just below 70% of its value from 1970. The decline of the UK’s natural environment continues to be concerning, threatening food system resilience. Loss of biodiversity and the benefits of a healthy ecosystem undermines sustainable farming and reduces essential natural resources for food production.
The UK government is implementing new agri-environmental subsidy schemes to promote sustainable farming and enhance nature. These initiatives offer financial incentives for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices, like maintaining wildlife habitats and reducing chemical use. While it’s too early to gauge their full impact, land enrolled in these schemes has increased from 4.92 million hectares in 2021 to 5.87 million hectares in 2023, marking a vital step towards improving sustainability and reversing biodiversity and soil health decline.
Food waste is a significant issue in the UK, with households generating an average of 115.7kg per person in 2021, a 5.6% increase since 2018. Although food waste has decreased since its peak in 2007, the recent rise underscores the need for improved reduction practices. Wasting food means missing opportunities to feed those in need and harms the environment by increasing food production demands and creating methane in landfills, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing food waste in our daily lives is urgently needed.
As individuals, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. ShefFood, the food partnership for Sheffield, is a community-led initiative focused on promoting sustainable food practices and tackling food insecurity. We need more people to get involved in our various projects, such as community food provision, food growing, composting, and supporting the local food economy. By joining one of our working groups, you can contribute to these initiatives and make a meaningful impact. If you are interested, please visit the individual working group page to learn more and join us in our mission to create a more sustainable and secure food system for Sheffield.
You can also keep up to date with the latest developments by signing up for the ShefFood monthly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay informed and learn more about the issues impacting our food system, as well as how you can help.
In the face of these challenges, it’s clear that we must adapt and support sustainable practices, locally and nationally. We all have a role to play in ensuring that the UK’s food system remains resilient and secure in the years to come. The future of food security is in our hands, and each of our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a positive change. Let’s make it a good one!