Committees

Insect decline and UK food security

Inquiry

Insect numbers are difficult to quantify however recent research suggests that in the UK flying insects have declined by 60% in the past 20 years. Insects provide pivotal roles for UK food security including pollination and pest or weed regulation. There are also concerns that pest species may be increasing with negative impacts on crop yields.

The Committee aims to build understanding of the role of insects in the UK food system and the economic impact of their decline and the associated risk to UK food security. It seeks to examine the evidence base for insect abundance in the UK, current drivers of insect loss and the Government’s interventions to halt or reverse declines.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was Friday 28 April 2023.

Work news

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SITC calls for new Government focus and support on halting the decline of insects and other invertebrates across the UK
SITC calls for new Government focus and support on halting the decline of insects and other invertebrates across the UK
7 March 2024
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Insect decline and UK food security to be examined by MPs
Science and Technology Committee launch inquiry on insect decline and UK food security
20 March 2023
Total results 2 (page 1 of 1)

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