Global Food Security

Mr Alyn Smith discussed the interconnectedness of climate change, food insecurity and resource scarcity. He highlighted that the UK imports 46% of its food and needs a wider policy alignment for food security. He expressed concern about the impact of reduced international aid on developing countries, citing the loss of nutritional support, education, family planning methods, humanitarian aid, and clean energy installations due to aid cuts. He called for policy coherence and advocated for farmers' central role in future food production.

The MP highlighted the significant cost-of-living crisis affecting everyday life, citing examples of price increases for basic items such as eggs and milk. He also emphasized the negative impact of the Northern Ireland protocol on smaller food producers and called for greater resilience in the UK's food system. The speaker praised Queen's University Belfast for leading research in global food security and urged the Government to address anomalies related to the protocol. He mentioned local issues including reforestation concerns, increased use of food banks due to poverty, and the importance of securing imports for both domestic and international food security. He thanked the Minister for his response and highlighted the importance of partnerships between the agrifood sector and universities in advancing technological opportunities. He stressed that these contributions point to a new way forward in addressing global food security.

Does the hon. Member agree that farmers and agricultural workers across the world are the backbone of the globe's access to food, despite smaller rural farmers often having to overcome the barriers of poverty and inequality? Does she agree that providing those smaller, poorer farmers with the support and technology they need is vital to every country's food security? According to new research, Margaret Ferrier expressed concern that 40% of the global commercial seed market is owned by two companies, compared with ten companies twenty-five years ago. She questioned whether a lack of competition in the food market broadly risks leaving the world's food security at the mercy of a select few.

Welcomed the appointment of the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield as a Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; stressed that food insecurity is a global challenge requiring both domestic and international responses. He emphasized the need to support small-scale farmers worldwide, change food habits in Western countries, address land use and climate issues, and invest in long-term sustainable development projects.

The MP highlighted the existential impact of global food insecurity on constituents and millions worldwide, citing soaring food prices in the UK and globally. She mentioned that the UK imports almost half its food, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations. The speaker shared a heart-wrenching story from her constituency where a child was found trying to eat glue due to hunger. She called for urgent action against rising global food prices, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support to extend the UN-backed Black Sea grain initiative. Additionally, she criticized cuts to overseas aid and the lack of response from the UK in addressing the current crisis.

Asked if food security should be integral to the Government's international development strategy, given that malnutrition causes 45% of under-five deaths and we are facing a global food security crisis. Ms Owatemi expressed concern over the UK's declining aid budget and its impact on global food security, citing Russia's role in exacerbating food shortages due to the war in Ukraine. She criticised the government for not fulfilling promises made in their manifesto regarding preventable deaths and climate finance, noting that malnutrition contributes to 45% of all under-five deaths globally. Ms Owatemi argued that a sustainable pivot towards self-sufficiency is necessary, focusing on local farmers and small-scale food producers. She also highlighted the rise of food poverty in Coventry and called for action to boost local food production.