UK Experts Warn Food Supply Is Fragile

Britain’s ability to feed itself in the face of future crises is under growing scrutiny, as food system specialists warn the country remains unprepared for major disruptions.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), has described the UK’s current reliance on imports as leaving the nation “criminally unprepared” should a disaster strike. His warning follows a series of reports highlighting vulnerabilities in the country’s supply chains, which depend heavily on just-in-time delivery systems.

According to Professor Tim Lang, a member of the National Preparedness Commission, the UK must shift towards a “just-in-case” strategy. This would mean holding reserves of key goods and strengthening local production to ensure essential foods remain available during emergencies. Experts argue that without these changes, Britain could face shortages during natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or geopolitical crises.

Data has also revealed a steady decline in domestic food self-sufficiency. Only around 60% of chicken consumed in the UK is produced domestically, while the majority of fruit and vegetables are imported. With global trade increasingly vulnerable to disruption, campaigners say overreliance on imports leaves the UK exposed.

Rising costs present a further challenge. A recent report suggested that “climateflation” could push food prices up by more than a third by 2050, driven by climate-related damage to crops and supply routes. Analysts warn that such increases could deepen affordability issues for households already struggling with rising living expenses.

Calls for action include diversifying supply chains, building up domestic farming capacity, and creating emergency food reserves. Ministers have also been urged to ensure that emergency planning addresses the needs of the whole population, including those with specific dietary requirements.

The government has acknowledged the importance of resilience and food security but faces criticism for not going far enough in preparing for possible disruptions. The NFU and other organisations continue to press for clear policies that would strengthen national readiness.

Experts agree that Britain’s food system has coped with shocks before, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they caution that increasing global instability means future crises could be more severe and longer-lasting. Without proactive planning, the risk of supply disruption could affect both availability and affordability of food across the country.

As pressure mounts, the debate centres on whether the UK can continue to rely on its current model or if deeper reforms are required to secure the nation’s food supply for the decades ahead.