Calls for food supply chain to be better reflected in resilience planning

The Food Resilience Commission, which was established by Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD) earlier this year, has heard evidence of a continuing gap between the recognised importance of the food supply chain to national resilience and the way it is reflected in resilience planning and emergency preparedness.

As part of its ongoing inquiry into the resilience of the UK’s food system, the Commission convened its second round table to examine whether the food supply chain is treated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in practice. The session brought together parliamentarians, government officials, industry leaders and academic experts.

The discussion coincided with the publication of the Government’s annual resilience update, providing a timely backdrop to discussions on how the UK’s resilience framework should respond to an increasingly complex risk landscape.

Chaired by former food minister and food resilience commission chair Daniel Zeichner MP, the session identified the need for stronger cross-government coordination and greater recognition of the food supply chain within the UK’s wider resilience framework.

The discussion also covered the importance of long-term preparedness, recognising that food resilience depends on other critical systems, including energy, transport, communications and digital infrastructure, and explored the case for more permanent structures to strengthen collaboration between government and industry.

The evidence gathered during the session will inform the Commission’s final report to government later this year.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “The timing of this discussion could not have been more important. The Government’s resilience update reinforces how the risks facing the UK are becoming more complex and interconnected, from climate change and cyber threats to geopolitical instability.

“Food sits at the heart of all of these challenges, and our discussion reinforced that food resilience must be recognised as a fundamental component of national resilience. The Commission’s work will now help shape practical recommendations to ensure the UK’s resilience frameworks better reflect the strategic importance of the food supply chain.”

James Bielby, CEO of Food & Drink Wholesale UK, said: “Food wholesalers are at the heart of the UK’s food supply chain, connecting producers with retailers, hospitality and vital public services in every part of the country. The resilience of that network cannot be taken for granted.

“Resilience is built through preparation. The right planning and policy framework can ensure the food supply chain is ready to anticipate, respond to and recover from future shocks, while continuing to keep the nation fed. Yesterday’s discussion was a vital part of that process.”

The Commission will continue its programme of evidence gathering over the coming months, with a further round table focusing on sustainability, before publishing a final report to Government later this year. The report will set out practical recommendations aimed at strengthening food resilience, improving national preparedness and safeguarding the continuity of food supply.