Chair Comment: Farm to Fork Summit 2024

“My committee’s Food Security Report called on the Government to hold an annual summit, so we welcome the second annual summit taking place today and believe it presents a significant opportunity to tackle the serious issues facing farmers and the food supply chain.

“We are pleased that today’s summit sees the publication of the first UK Food Security Index, as my committee pushed for in its report. We urge the Government to keep its commitment to enshrine the requirement to publish the Index in law and to do so at the earliest opportunity.

“The farming sector works tirelessly to feed the nation and protect its natural environment, and I wholeheartedly welcome the PM’s commitment to backing our British farmers. It is vital that that farmers and agricultural industries are provided with the support they need to thrive, against the difficult conditions they are facing.

“We welcome today’s announcement of the upcoming appointment of a tenant farming commissioner who will provide a strong voice for tenant farmers throughout the country. Tenant farmers form an essential part of our farming communities, and it is essential that their rights are protected and respected.

“We also welcome the announcement of a new supply chain adjudicator, and we look forward to hearing how they will work with the Groceries Code Adjudicator to ensure greater fairness and transparency throughout the whole food supply chain.

“We look forward to questioning the farming minister further on these announcements when he appears before our committee next week.”

Further information

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