The UK has not done enough to prepare for potential shocks to its food supplies, according to the public spending watchdog, the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO states that the climate crisis, disease, and cyber-attacks pose increasing risks to the country's food system.
The watchdog is urging the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) to collaborate more closely with households, communities, and businesses. This is to ensure the flow of crucial food can withstand supply disruptions, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
The NAO's latest report found that while Defra has taken some steps, it has not done enough in recent years to prepare citizens and industry for possible emergencies. The UK imports over a third of its food, with a significant portion arriving through four ports: Dover, Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway, making supplies vulnerable to disruption.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, commented that while recent disruptions have shown resilience, risks are increasing. He recommended that Defra learn from other countries and strengthen emergency preparedness by testing plans with local government and industry.