Food security requires innovation, sector told

The UK’S untapped farming potential was highlighted at the Institute of Agricultural Management’s (IAGRM) national conference, which heard 8% of farmers produce 57% of food from only 33% of the land.

The IAGRM said the statistic highlighted the opportunities for the sector to embrace innovation to help improve the environment and food security.

One of the key speakers, NFU president Minette Batters, said food security challenges were not just about issues such as water and biodiversity but also had to address affordability and social structures.

She said: “Greater local procurement in food contracts, a whole-government approach to reduce inflation and a netzero policy are needed to align the industry.

“We have to allow the public sector to work with the private sector – public money has to deliver a multi-faceted return.”

While speakers acknowledged the challenges facing farmers over the next decade, they highlighted adopting innovative farming systems that reduce waste through more efficient growing environments.

James Lloyd-jones, CEO of Jones Food Company, said he believes “landless” agriculture could put UK producers at the forefront of production and innovation.

He runs a vertical farm in Scunthorpe and an research and development site in Bristol, and has ambitions for the technology to supply 70% of the UK’S leafy greens and soft fruit.

He told delegates that while vertical farming may seem at odds with notions of sustainable production, the model is part of a much-needed food supply change.

“Technology helps us farm better. We still believe in agronomy and high-quality product, but automation through innovation can help,” he added.

“Complementing traditional agriculture with innovative technology could create shorter, more resilient supply chains and greater self-sufficiency – crucial

Technology helps us farm better. Automation through innovation can help

elements for bolstering food security.”

Speakers also debated farmers’ role on the front line of environmental responsibility and rural stewardship, and Emily Norton, head of rural research at Savills, urged farmers to act now to reap the rewards rather than wait for policy to catch up.

To turn environmental protection into a futureproof business model, Ms Norton suggested exploiting layers of value by stacking and bundling ecosystem services across a single piece of land.

MESSAGE: Visitors to the Institute of Agricultural Management conference heard vertical farming could one day supply up to 70% of Britain’s leafy greens and soft fruit.