The UK’s leading food and hospitality organisations have joined forces to call on candidates vying for the role of Prime Minister to commit to a five-point plan aimed at building a more resilient and affordable food system.
In a rare show of unity, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), British Retail Consortium (BRC), Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and UKHospitality have issued an open letter outlining urgent reforms needed to safeguard the nation’s food supply chain.
Together, the groups represent a sector worth more than £153 billion to the UK economy, supporting over four million jobs – equivalent to one in nine across the country. From farm to fork, the industry underpins the food security of 29 million households, yet leaders warn that mounting pressures risk undermining its stability.
The five-point plan focuses on delivering value for the public, securing a well-negotiated realignment with the EU, improving the planning system, ensuring access to a reliable workforce, and supporting investment and growth across the sector.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw stressed the central role of British agriculture in maintaining food security. He said: “British farmers and growers are the foundation of our food system. With 70 million people reliant on us to produce their food, we must act now to secure a resilient, affordable food system in the coming years.
“To drive success, farmers and growers need to know they’ll have the workforce they rely on, regulation which supports efficiency and growth, and a planning system that drives investment in much-needed farm infrastructure such as poultry sheds, storage for valuable manures and reservoirs.
“These are all things that will build resilience in food production, and these investments will help both hard-pressed farmers and struggling consumers. I urge the incoming Prime Minister and their team to get behind this plan and lead the charge.”
Retail leaders echoed the need for reduced barriers to investment. Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC, said: “Food retailers are proud to support British agriculture and already source the vast majority of their food from the UK. In order to grow this investment, government must work to remove some of the hurdles which hold back British farmers, including on costs, planning restrictions, and reducing friction in EU realignment.
“This would allow the UK to build a more resilient and affordable food system that can deliver for both consumers and the economy long into the future.”
The Food and Drink Federation highlighted the economic significance of the manufacturing sector and the challenges it faces. Chief Executive Karen Betts said: “Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing £42 billion to the economy and employing more than half a million people in great jobs over long careers.
“Our industry should be driving growth and creating new jobs in every postcode across the country. But instead, many businesses are struggling with the cost of rising bills and complex regulation.
“We want government to work with our sector to incentivise investment, particularly in new technologies, advanced skills, and the R&D necessary to make our food system more resilient and our diets healthier. Too often food and drink has been overlooked by government and our industry’s work to ensure households everywhere have access to a wide range of fresh, nutritious and affordable food has been taken for granted.”
Hospitality leaders also underlined the importance of a stable supply chain to their operations. Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality feeds millions of people every day, whether it’s a quick bite to eat, lunch at work, or dinner with friends.
You Might Also Like:
Industry calls for action as FDF Scotland warns food inflation could hit 9%
Calls for more investment in Scotland’s £24bn food and drink industry
Scottish Beer & Pub Association calls for fair funding and rates relief for Scotland’s pubs
Scotland’s Red meat sector hits record £3.5bn but Farmers warn the clock is ticking
“Our pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and contract caterers are reliant on a sustainable and resilient food system to continue feeding the nation. It’s critical that the next Prime Minister supports the food supply chain by reducing its tax burden, cutting red tape and enabling businesses from farm to fork to grow.”
The organisations warn that without swift and coordinated action, vulnerabilities across the food system will continue to place strain on both businesses and consumers. They argue that the next Prime Minister has a clear opportunity to strengthen the UK’s food resilience while unlocking further economic growth across the entire supply chain.
