Daily Mail

Core issue...we need to grow more apples, says Rishi

- By Jason Groves Political Editor

RISHI Sunak will today urge Britain to grow more apples and pears, as he warns that over-reliance on food imports could undermine the country’s security.

The Prime Minister will use a food summit in Downing Street to tell farmers they are ‘vital to the security and fabric of our country’. But he will warn that a new ‘food security index’ has found the UK is too reliant on foreign imports, particular­ly fruit and vegetables.

The study, which will report on food production and land use on an annual basis, found that the farming sector is operating at its most productive level ever. But it will also reveal that just per cent of vegetables and 17 per cent of fruit bought in this country are grown here.

Although food supplies are not under immediate threat, ministers believe the Ukraine war has exposed the risk of relying too heavily on foreign supply chains. A string of announceme­nts today will include grants worth £10million to help orchard owners increase production.

Overall funding to encourage more horticultu­ral production will be doubled to £80million. A further £1 million will be available to develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to disease.

Mr Sunak will also order a review into cutting red tape for the constructi­on of glasshouse­s and polytunnel­s. He said: ‘Come rain or shine, I will always back British farmers. From feeding the nation to protecting our countrysid­e, they are vital to the security and the fabric of our country. This package of support will help farmers produce more British food, and delivers on our long-term plan to invest in our rural communitie­s.’

The summit will also discuss the impact of the wettest start of the year for decades, with ministers set to unveil £7 million in funding to improve drainage.

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