Food and Drink: UK Economy

The MP highlighted the importance of food production to local economies in Orkney and Shetland, mentioning beef, lamb, seafood, whisky distilleries, breweries, gin distilleries, and artisan producers. He noted that the growth of these industries has contributed significantly to the visitor economy but expressed concern over government intervention harming agriculture through regulations on cattle shipping and transportation of live animals by sea.

He called for better food labelling regulations to support British farmers by ensuring accurate origin information on products.

Mr Zeichner highlighted the challenges faced by workers in the food and drink sector, including violence against shopworkers, poor wages for contract workers, and labour shortages leading to wasted crops. He also raised concerns about low pay within the sector, with 40% of respondents unable to afford food on some occasions.

Food and drink manufacturing is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing over £120 billion to the economy. Scotland exports almost 20% of food and drink products, despite having only 8.2% of the UK population. Dave Doogan highlighted specific challenges faced by the Scottish seed potato sector due to Brexit, including loss of EU and Northern Ireland market access, tariff issues on imported jute sacks, and restrictions on pork exports to China. He also mentioned crippling labour shortages as a major threat to the industry.

He highlighted labour shortages affecting the retail and farm gate sectors, particularly mentioning a lack of qualified abattoir workmen in pig farming.

He expressed concern about the fishing industry's reliance on foreign markets and encouraged promoting local seafood consumption in Britain. The MP highlighted the domestic market opportunities and exports potential of the food and drink sector, emphasizing its competitiveness and the need for better promotion. Discussed the interconnectivity between the food and drink industry and markets, highlighting the challenges faced by tenanted pubs and small producers. Emphasized the need to support local businesses such as The Hearth of the Ram in Ramsbottom, which buys everything locally. Made serious points about the consumption of British fish and the need for support from Seafish.

Mr Shannon highlighted the impact of the pandemic and Brexit on the food and drink sector, noting a £2 billion loss in sales due to the Northern Ireland protocol. He emphasised the importance of the hospitality sector and advocated for a more localised approach to production. He also provided an overview of the diverse culinary offerings from his constituency, showcasing local companies such as Mash Direct, Lakeland Dairies, and Rademon gin.

He suggested that public sector purchasing should prioritise domestic produce to enhance traceability, food security, and support for British products. Emphasised the need to prioritise British products and services in procurement, highlighting regulations as barriers. He also called for shortening food supply chains by purchasing locally grown produce instead of transporting it long distances.

Acknowledged the significant strain on the hospitality industry due to the pandemic and highlighted pre-pandemic trends like the loss of 31% of pubs in Stockport between 2010 and 2020. Emphasized the need for legislative support for workers' rights, including the living wage, and protection against abuse. Discussed beer and highlighted the difficult conditions hospitality workers face, particularly during unsocial hours.

He pointed out labour shortages for employers during Christmas, suggesting a need for increased productivity through investment in machinery and access to additional labour.