Food Supply: Weather
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to (a) secure national food supply chains and (b) protect food security through mitigation of disruption caused by extreme weather in the context of her Department's publication entitled Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, updated on 2 February 2026.
Answered by Dame Angela Eagle
UK self-sufficiency has remained broadly stable for several decades. In 2024, the UK was 65% self-sufficient for all food; 77% for food that can be produced here. In most scenarios, strong domestic production and imports through stable trade routes ensure food supply is maintained and can withstand disruptive events such as extreme weather.
Nature underpins our security, prosperity, and resilience and understanding the threats we face from biodiversity loss is crucial to meeting them head on.
Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.
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