14 Jun 2022

AIC responds to Government’s Food Strategy

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) welcomes the release of the Government’s white paper on food strategy for England and, given the multiple challenges facing our food system, is encouraged that several commitments have been made to drive resilience and support sustainable food production in the UK.

“We are especially encouraged by commitments in the paper to work with farm businesses on volatility and risk management, publish a Land Use framework, consult on feed additives and their beneficial impacts on emissions, and launch a Food Data Transparency Partnership to help drive a mandatory methodology in sustainability claims in food,” says Robert Sheasby, AIC Chief Executive.

“As a key stakeholder in the agri-food supply chain, we look forward to hearing how AIC can continue to support and be part of these emerging workstreams.

“We believe that given the extraordinary challenges to food and feed supplies that the UK is facing, we must take a more strategic approach to core infrastructure across our food supply chain in order to meet the Government’s ambitions. For example, by improving our logistics networks, port capacities, and processing capabilities.

“AIC therefore urges the Government to provide a clear plan on how it will encourage inward investment into core food infrastructure, in order to deliver the measures set out in its white paper.”

ENDS

About AIC

As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.

Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.

Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.

AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.

AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.

These schemes and professional registers include: