Climate Change: Food Supply Resilience

Lord Blencathra Excerpts

Thursday 17th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

It is also important to point out that in the Land Use Framework, the Government did make a clear long-term commitment to maintain overall food production in England by increasing farm profitability and productivity, and to develop particular sector plans, which is what farming was asking for. Through those sector plans, we can better underpin our food security and drive economic growth. We have a number of things in place to support that ambition. We are going to start with horticulture and poultry on the sector plans. We have set up, as the Batters review recommended, a farming and food partnership board. We are also looking at agricultural land classification data to protect our most important agricultural land.

[Lord Blencathra (Con)]

My Lords, I commend the Minister for persisting with questions today despite her awful throat braxy.

Two weeks ago, the National Audit Office published a highly critical report on Defra’s lack of preparedness for food shortages, the failure to test the emergency plans in place, and the lack of the legal powers and specific asset tracking to maintain food supplies during a deep emergency. A key recommendation was that Defra must work more closely with farmers and food businesses to ensure that the food supply is maintained. To work more closely with farmers, will the Government call off the Treasury attacks on farmers, farming and the countryside that are driving farmers to quit in record numbers? No farmers means no food, no security and no countryside that we love.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The noble Lord mentions the National Audit Office report, which shows that risks to food supplies are becoming much more complex. That is why we are working with farmers, producers and the drinks industry to strengthen our food security. We are looking at the findings and recommendations and will be discussing them with the Treasury.