A SHORT-life taskforce has been established to monitor, identify and respond to any potential disruption to food security and supply resulting from the impact of the war in Ukraine.
The Scottish Government has set up the Food Security and Supply Taskforce jointly with industry. It will be co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon and Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers.
Drawing on technical and scientific knowledge and expertise from across a range of sectors, agencies and organisations, the taskforce will include key food and drink industry leaders and will meet frequently over the coming weeks.
Commenting on this decision, NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said: “We welcome Scottish Government recognition, through the establishment of this taskforce, that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has significantly heightened food security concerns at home. We must identify the immediate risks to domestic food production and act now.”
“Inflationary pressures across the whole supply chain, from farm to consumer, have been building and market volatility has reached exceptional levels. The short life of the taskforce recognises the seriousness of the situation and the need to identify solutions quickly. Whatever this group identifies, we need action from the government on its recommendations.”
“The Union believes that maintaining stability so that farming businesses retain their capacity to produce food must be a priority. NFU Scotland has published its list of immediate asks of Governments, the wider supply chain and banks (https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/news/union-maps-out-key-asks-amid-growing-food-security-concerns ) and we would welcome the opportunity to share these with the taskforce.”
