Support for Local Food Infrastructure

Mr Mangnall agreed with Mr Gale's points, highlighting the need for local businesses to support farmers and fishermen. He praised the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's work on this matter and suggested replicating the French model of supporting local food producers. He also discussed the importance of educating people about where their food comes from and encouraged initiatives like the south-west food hub to improve public procurement of local SMEs.

Caroline Ansell raised concerns about local food partnerships struggling due to water restrictions during the drought, particularly from South East Water. She requested that her hon. Friend urge South East Water to provide necessary water support for these partnerships.

The MP noted the rising costs of food and highlighted the increasing number of people facing food poverty in the UK, citing figures from the Food Foundation that 7.3 million people, including 2.6 million children, were in food poverty as of April. He emphasised the role of local food infrastructure in supporting communities during times of crisis and improving local economies, environmental concerns, and health inequalities.

I am concerned about the lack of investment in local food infrastructure, particularly in rural areas like Sherwood. There is a need for better transport links to ensure fresh produce reaches markets efficiently.

Ms Brock highlighted the need for local food partnerships and shared examples from Scotland, where 50% of councils have a food partnership. She mentioned the Good Food Nation Act in Scotland which aims to ensure high-quality locally sourced food is affordable and accessible. She also discussed the SNP Government's regional food fund which supports various collaborative projects boosting local produce. Ms Brock stressed that local food initiatives are crucial during the cost of living crisis, noting inflation rates and rising grocery costs impacting low-income households most.

The MP discussed local food initiatives in her constituency, praising businesses that sell locally sourced produce. She highlighted the challenges faced by abattoirs due to increasing regulatory costs and called for government support to help them modernize and survive.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of food infrastructure in Strangford, noting that Northern Ireland's food and drink industry is worth £5.4 billion with beef and lamb exports accounting for 70% of production due to a smaller local population. He emphasised the role of local manufacturers and processors such as Willowbrook Foods, Mash Direct, Lakeland Dairies, and Newtownards butcheries in supporting the local economy. Shannon also raised concerns over food poverty, mentioning that during the pandemic, the Trussell Trust provided 2.2 million three-day food packages in Northern Ireland, with demand currently higher than before.

Jo Gideon highlighted the importance of supporting local food businesses for economic growth and community well-being. She mentioned specific examples from her constituency, including new food establishments like Dumpling King and Long Rest. Gideon also advocated for a holistic approach to addressing systemic issues in the UK's food system through a cross-departmental taskforce and a Good Food Bill.

The SNP supports enhancing local food production and distribution networks. We must address the current imbalance where Scotland's agriculture sector does not receive adequate support compared to other regions of the UK.

Ms Blake highlighted the rise in food prices and volatility, attributing it to speculation on international commodity markets rather than solely the war in Ukraine. She cited statistics showing a 14% increase in emergency food parcels issued by the Trussell Trust since the start of the pandemic and that 13% of households are skipping meals. She advocated for investment in local supply chains, funding advice for farmers, changes to planning systems, and formalising community food networks as part of a national strategy.

Mr Gale thanked his colleague for securing the debate and congratulated the Minister on his appointment. He raised concerns about solar farms occupying agricultural land, urging their placement on rooftops, car parks or public spaces instead. He also advocated for a moratorium on house building on grade one and two alluvial soil in Thanet due to its quality and the impact of housing on water supply and food production.

The MP highlighted the plight of North Devon farmers, urging the government to partner with them and support smaller producers. She emphasized the need for sustainable food production and questioned the environmental impact of alternative foods such as almond milk compared to traditional British products.