A number of residents have recently contacted me about their concerns regarding the food sector’s productivity, security and prices, and I thought it pertinent to explain what measures this Government is taking in response. Food security is vital to all countries. Whilst we often rightly focus on the shortages in developing countries brought about by droughts and extreme weather, we are also all witness to how Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine has had an impact on prices here in Hastings and Rye, as well as across the United Kingdom and the world.
As domestic food production needs to become more self-sufficient and sustainable, the Government recently launched a Food Strategy that puts security at the heart of its vision for the sector. Boosting production and driving new investment in sectors where there are the greatest opportunities – such as horticulture and seafood – is crucial, and it will have a wider benefit on research, skills, innovation and the economy too.
This Strategy will also help our local farmers by committing to spend £270 million in the new Farming Innovation Programme until 2029 – unlocking innovation and boosting sustainable productivity in agriculture. Along with other MPs representing partly rural areas, I have made representations to ministers regarding the agricultural workforce. It is particularly welcome that, as a result, 10,000 visas will be released for the seasonal worker visa route, helping with the seasonal shortage of workers currently being experienced throughout Europe. As regards new farm payments, the vast majority of the funding released from basic payments will go into schemes that are accessible and workable for any farm, including tenant farmers. Schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Local Nature Recovery are ones that will pay farmers to take care of nature alongside profitable food production, supporting food security and resilience in the long-term.
A new Horticulture Strategy for England is also being developed to increase domestic production. This will be supported by a professional body for the farming and growing industry – The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture - creating clear career pathways to help promote the sector as a progressive, professional and attractive career choice for all.
The Food Strategy will also help our important food and drink sector by, for example, committing to an independent review on how we tackle labour shortages in the supply chain, and an £11million investment will focus on new research to improve our understanding of the relationship between food and health.
I know that rising food prices are of real concern to many people locally, and I will continue to press the Government to tackle this issue, including through greater support for our local farmers and producers.
