Food and drink supply
sir – Covid-19 is the biggest threat this country has faced in decades. Our food and farming industries are working daily with government departments to ensure that consumers have continued confidence that there will be adequate supplies of food and drink.
This crisis shows that the food and farming industries are integral to our country’s critical infrastructure, and the Government has rightly acknowledged the crucial role played by the more than four million hidden heroes who work in Britain’s farm-tofork supply chain.
It is vital that we keep imports and exports of food and drink flowing. Movements of ingredients and raw materials must continue if we are to supply consumers across Britain. Trading through open markets will be key in helping the global economic recovery, and while some countries have introduced trade restrictions, Britain and other developed nations must reject moves towards protectionism.
The British food and drink industry is an international success story. The country exports more than £23 billion worth of high-quality products each year. These exports ensure that British businesses have access to working capital. They include the movement of ingredients and raw materials to neighbouring countries for processing that cannot be performed in Britain.
Our industry cannot operate in isolation if we are to continue providing world-leading quality, choice and value for money. Our farmers rely on imported feed and need access to other markets to sell their products. Our manufacturers rely on exports to grow their businesses and imports to complement their use of domestically produced ingredients and raw materials. Our restaurants and retailers need access to a full range of goods all year round to balance seasonality and to meet demand.
The British food and drink industry calls on all governments to ensure trade continues to flow freely and without restriction, so that together we can come through this incredibly difficult time stronger than ever.
Ian Wright
CEO, Food and Drink Federation
Robert Sheasby
CEO, Agricultural Industries Confederation
Emma Mcclarkin
CEO, British Beer and Pub Association and 26 others; see telegraph.co.uk