AIC Chief Executive Highlights Growth Opportunities for UK Agriculture at IGD
AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby has highlighted the opportunity for UK agriculture to play a greater role in economic growth, while warning that immediate pressures such as high energy costs continue to constrain businesses.
Speaking today (21 October) at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) Future of the UK Food System 2026 in London, Robert joined senior leaders from across the food and farming sectors for the ‘Driving impact through agriculture’ panel discussion. The session explored how lessons from global markets could help strengthen the resilience, competitiveness and innovation of the UK food system.
Robert raised the importance of establishing a long-term strategic direction for agriculture and the opportunity to grow the sector’s contribution to the UK economy from around 0.6% to 1% of GDP.
Alongside this longer-term ambition, he highlighted the short-term barriers businesses currently face, particularly energy costs and their impact on growth.
Poultry was identified as one area with potential for increased domestic production. Robert pointed to a 35% increase in poultry imports since 2025, highlighting the opportunity to reverse this trend by supporting growth in UK production.
He also emphasised the employment opportunities that could come from a growing agricultural sector, linking economic growth with the need to attract people and skills into the industry.
Skills and future talent were also a wider theme of the day. Andrew Western MP, Minister for Employment, addressed workforce challenges facing food businesses, with the event programme focusing on attracting talent, building skills, productivity and growth.
The discussion closely reflects IGD Future of the UK Food System 2026’s wider focus on growth, resilience, future talent and investment across the UK food system.
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