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ARCHIVE: Food security

The food security assessment describes the Government’s approach to ensuring the UK maintains a high level of food security. The paper sets out what food security is, the challenges and risks facing UK food security, our current assessment of the state of our food supplies, and how we plan to continue to deliver sufficient, safe and nutritious food for all in the UK.

The folllowing documents were originally published in August 2009, and these have now been updated to coincide with the launch of the Food Strategy in January 2010.

UK Food Security Assessment: Summary

Our one page summary paper (PDF 50KB) is available. Due to the complexity of this document we recommend that if you wish to print a copy then you do so on A3 paper.

UK Food Security Assessment: Detailed Analysis

This document analyses a wide range of relevant indicators and evidence for assessing UK food security. It is structured around six themes.

  • Global availability
  • Global resource sustainability
  • UK availability and access
  • UK food chain resilience
  • Food security at household level; and
  • Safety and confidence in our food supply

It assesses the current position for each indicator, compares this with the picture over the last 10-15 years, and looks ahead to the next 5-10 years. A number of text boxes provide additional context and analysis on specific issues.

For further information please contact foodpolicyunit@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: 5 January 2010
Page published: 10 August 2009