There are quite a few posts on this blog about it... geographies of food are almost worth a separate blog perhaps.
Last year, the UK produced 65% of the food it needs, exported 9% of that and imported the rest, according to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
That's down 13 percentage points from the height of British self-sufficiency, 78%, in 1984.
Since the 1980s, politicians have handed responsibility for food to the free market to save money.
Britain grows just 15% of its own fruit and 53% of its vegetables.
It's much better at producing meat, potatoes and wheat, but calories alone aren't enough without the vital micronutrients found in horticultural products.
Does the UK really enjoy food security?
There is a saying that we are just a few meals from anarchy and this Sky News report explores 'experts' fears' about how underprepared we are... politicians have abdicated responsibility for ensuring food security, unlike countries such as Finland with their sisu preparedness.
Tom Bradshaw of the NFU is concerned about the lack of support for the UK's farmers.
"We're living in probably some of the most volatile geopolitical times we've known. If we are worried enough… to be investing more in defence, we should be having the same conversation about food security."Last year, the UK produced 65% of the food it needs, exported 9% of that and imported the rest, according to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
That's down 13 percentage points from the height of British self-sufficiency, 78%, in 1984.
Britain grows just 15% of its own fruit and 53% of its vegetables.
It's much better at producing meat, potatoes and wheat, but calories alone aren't enough without the vital micronutrients found in horticultural products.
The piece features this graph showing what percentage of certain foods the UK produces - you can see it here...
As long as you like turnips you should be OK.
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