²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Food production needs to hard-wired back into ag policy, Efra Committee Chair says

Is there enough emphasis placed on food production's role in supporting not only nature restoration, but flood management, climate change mitigation and food security?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Efra Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael said: "One of the big difficulties we have with agricultural policy in this country, especially in England but not exclusively in England, we have sent food production and nature restoration, and flood management and climate change mitigation and all the rest of it, as being set up against each other, when they are absolutely not. If we are going to see long-term security for this industry and for food security in this country, then getting food production hard-wired back into agricultural policy is going to be absolutely critical."
Image:

Efra Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael said: "One of the big difficulties we have with agricultural policy in this country, especially in England but not exclusively in England, we have sent food production and nature restoration, and flood management and climate change mitigation and all the rest of it, as being set up against each other, when they are absolutely not. If we are going to see long-term security for this industry and for food security in this country, then getting food production hard-wired back into agricultural policy is going to be absolutely critical."

The foundation of agricultural policy must be built on a solid foundation of producing food for the nation, with a farming MP having argued that it has been seen as distinctive from the UK's environmental...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Former Defra Secretary Steve Reed said the Labour Party must unite behind the Prime Minister, adding that a change at the top will 'lead to chaos'

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 5 min read
Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Rhun ap Iorwerth says his new role is 'greatest privilege' of his life as he preapres to form Plaid's first ever government

clock 12 May 2026 • 1 min read
Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds' Private Parliamentary Secretary Tom Rutland is one of a growing number of Labour backbenchers calling on Sir Keir Starmer to quit as Prime Minister

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read