Menu
10/08/2009
Food Production: 'Radical Rethink' Needed
The UK will need to change the way food is produced and consumed in order to enjoy healthy affordable food in decades ahead, the Environment Secretary has today warned.
Hilary Benn was today talking at the launch of the government's assessment that advised on the threat of climate change’s impacts on security of what we eat.
He published Britain's first ever food security assessment, which shows that the future of global food supplies could be threatened by climate change relating to where crops grow, and warns of increases in the incidence of animal diseases and water shortages.
He also spoke of the possibility of depletion of fish stocks around the world, as well as the impacts in the evidence on the natural world of expansion of crops grown for fuels and a growing population eating more.
Across the world, it has been estimated that production will have to rise by 70% by 2050 to feed a global population of nine billion.
Producers, supermarkets and consumers are invited to suggest how a secure food system should look in 2030.
The MP also warned that we will have to rely far less on imports in the future.
Mr Benn said: "Last year the world had a wake-up call with the sudden oil and food price rises.
"While we know the price of our food, the full environmental costs and the costs to our health are significant and hidden.
"We need a radical re-think of how we produce and consume our food.
"Globally we need to cut emissions and adapt to the changing climate that will alter what we can grow and where we can grow it."
Mr Benn continued: "Our food strategy will need to cover all aspects of our food - production, processing, distribution, retail, consumption and disposal. And that includes the impact on our health, on the environment and future productivity, and on how we deal with food waste."
The assessment is published alongside an update on last year’s Food Matters report on rising food prices, the problems of unhealthy eating, and the environmental impacts of what we eat.
(JM/BMcC)
Hilary Benn was today talking at the launch of the government's assessment that advised on the threat of climate change’s impacts on security of what we eat.
He published Britain's first ever food security assessment, which shows that the future of global food supplies could be threatened by climate change relating to where crops grow, and warns of increases in the incidence of animal diseases and water shortages.
He also spoke of the possibility of depletion of fish stocks around the world, as well as the impacts in the evidence on the natural world of expansion of crops grown for fuels and a growing population eating more.
Across the world, it has been estimated that production will have to rise by 70% by 2050 to feed a global population of nine billion.
Producers, supermarkets and consumers are invited to suggest how a secure food system should look in 2030.
The MP also warned that we will have to rely far less on imports in the future.
Mr Benn said: "Last year the world had a wake-up call with the sudden oil and food price rises.
"While we know the price of our food, the full environmental costs and the costs to our health are significant and hidden.
"We need a radical re-think of how we produce and consume our food.
"Globally we need to cut emissions and adapt to the changing climate that will alter what we can grow and where we can grow it."
Mr Benn continued: "Our food strategy will need to cover all aspects of our food - production, processing, distribution, retail, consumption and disposal. And that includes the impact on our health, on the environment and future productivity, and on how we deal with food waste."
The assessment is published alongside an update on last year’s Food Matters report on rising food prices, the problems of unhealthy eating, and the environmental impacts of what we eat.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
06 October 2008
New Council of Food Policy Advisors Announced
The establishment of a new team of advisers on food policy from 'the farm to the fork' has been announced today by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
New Council of Food Policy Advisors Announced
The establishment of a new team of advisers on food policy from 'the farm to the fork' has been announced today by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
07 July 2008
Food Waste Top Of The G8 Summit Agenda
Consumers must stop wasting food amid growing concerns of the cost of living, the Prime Minister has said. Gordon Brown has arrived in Japan for a G8 summit, which is expected to be dominated by rising prices and the world economy. A Government study has found that the average household throws out £8 of leftovers every week.
Food Waste Top Of The G8 Summit Agenda
Consumers must stop wasting food amid growing concerns of the cost of living, the Prime Minister has said. Gordon Brown has arrived in Japan for a G8 summit, which is expected to be dominated by rising prices and the world economy. A Government study has found that the average household throws out £8 of leftovers every week.
18 April 2008
Calls For Tougher Junk Food Advertising Laws
More than eighty percent of adults believe junk food advertising can make it difficult to feed children healthy food, a new survey has claimed. Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
Calls For Tougher Junk Food Advertising Laws
More than eighty percent of adults believe junk food advertising can make it difficult to feed children healthy food, a new survey has claimed. Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
25 October 2004
Tourists warned of risks of bringing food into the UK
The risks and controls prohibiting people bringing food into the UK from EU countries have been highlighted today as part of a public awareness campaign launched today. The current rules mean that it is illegal to bring meat and milk-based products for personal use back into the UK from outside the EU.
Tourists warned of risks of bringing food into the UK
The risks and controls prohibiting people bringing food into the UK from EU countries have been highlighted today as part of a public awareness campaign launched today. The current rules mean that it is illegal to bring meat and milk-based products for personal use back into the UK from outside the EU.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
