Blog: VE Day Reflections - Agricultural Resilience and Food Security

As we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, it is worth reflecting on what has changed and what remains the same. While the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) was not established until 2003, 58 years after the end of World War II, its legacy is built on the foundations laid by earlier organisations (The United Kingdom Agricultural Supply Trade Association (UKASTA) and Fertiliser Manufacturers Association (FMA))  that were active and influential during the war years.

During the Second World War, businesses across the agri-supply chain were already working closely with farmers and growers to build resilience and, crucially, ensure food security. There was a strong focus on productivity through seed development, crop protection (agronomy), fertiliser, combinable crops, and efficient livestock feeding.

Then and Now: Focus on Productivity

During the war, the Government established the War Agricultural Executive Committees and several key industry organisations including UKASTA and FMA - played vital roles in supporting British agriculture. UKASTA, named "British Association of Grain, Seed, Feed and Agricultural Merchants Limited" at the time, represented businesses supplying feed, seed, and other essential inputs, ensuring alignment between industry and farm-level needs. The FMA worked to maintain consistent fertiliser availability and advice during a period of strict resource management and rationing.

These combined efforts ensured that Britain could sustain itself through domestic production and essential imports of foods that were either insufficiently produced or not produced at all locally.

We must also remember the countless individuals who sacrificed their lives during the war. Their bravery and dedication ensured that the nation could continue to thrive even in the face of adversity. If they were alive today, they would witness a vastly different world. The advancements in technology, agricultural practices, and global trade have transformed the way we produce and distribute food. Their legacy lives on in the continued efforts to ensure food security and resilience.

Fast forward to today, and in 2025, our three guiding pillars of productivity, environment and competitiveness, with productivity remaining at the heart of AIC Member businesses. They support farmers and growers with domestic production and aim to ensure that the wider supply chains have the inputs they need when they require them like animal feed and fertiliser.

In our 20th Anniversary year, the AIC published the report “Powering Productivity,” which set out considerations for food security. The report emphasised the need for the UK to establish an independent committee of cross-party, cross-nation, and cross-industry expertise to seriously address food and feed security for the UK.

Collaboration and Long-Term Planning

Getting it right remains crucial today, and it is essential that farmers and growers work hand in hand with suppliers and customers.  This collaboration is necessary for both short-term in year orders as well as longer-term strategic demands, whether that is new genetic traits in seeds, innovation in crop protection and fertiliser, or climate-friendly feed, all requiring long-term planning. The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) members, for example invest ten years in developing new seed products for the UK market, confident that the supply chain will support certified seeds.

Active Planning and Political Support

AIC Members actively plan to ensure that the country has access to essential micro-nutrients and vitamins for high animal welfare compound feeds or balancing requirements of UK Flour Millers (UKFM) protein demands against weather-impacted domestic production. This happens despite what can at times feel like political indifference. Recent announcements about a Land Use Strategy, a 25-year Farm Plan, and a Food Strategy in England, as well as similar policy announcements in Scotland and Wales along with interest in productivity are welcomed.

Assurance in Food and Feed Safety

In addition to productivity, the role of Assurance schemes is crucial in underpinning confidence in UK food and feed safety. AIC operates several Trade Assurance Schemes, including schemes for combinable crops (TASCC), feed schemes (FEMAS and UFAS), and for safe fertiliser distribution (FIAS) which play a vital role in maintaining high safety standards at the start of the agri-food supply chain. These schemes provide a due diligence defence for the agri-food supply chains, maintaining the integrity and safety of food and feed from production to consumption.

Continuous Improvement

Recent reports and updates from AIC highlight the importance of these Assurance schemes in supporting food security resilience today, just as it was 80 years ago. The schemes are continuously reviewed and updated to align with current government, industry, and consumer requirements, ensuring that the UK remains a leader in food and feed safety.

For those interested in the work of AIC, I encourage you to watch a short animation that explains how AIC members support food security resilience today, just as they did 80 years ago.