economy
March 7, 2026
UK must stockpile food in readiness for climate shocks or war, expert warns
Prof Tim Lang says country produces far less food than it needs to feed population and is particularly vulnerable
TL;DR
- UK food policy expert Prof Tim Lang advises the government to stockpile food due to vulnerability to climate shocks and wars.
- The UK is only 54% food self-sufficient, significantly less than other developed nations like the US, France, and Australia.
- The concentration of food distribution through a few large companies and limited distribution centers makes the system vulnerable to attacks.
- Climate change is projected to increase import reliance, with significant shortfalls in legumes and fruit by 2050.
- Brexit has reduced farmer subsidies and complicated imports from the EU, further increasing vulnerability.
- The UK government has no plans to increase food self-sufficiency or set production targets.
- Prof Lang advocates for a 'food security and resilience act' to ensure the system prioritizes feeding people and can withstand shocks.
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