The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has recently launched inquiries into two critical areas of concern for the UK: national biosecurity and the food supply chain. These inquiries are part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the country’s agricultural sector and food industry.
In its inquiry into biosecurity measures for animal and plant imports, the committee is seeking evidence to assess the effectiveness of current biosecurity controls at the UK border. This includes examining the impact of new animal and plant health checks on goods from the EU, as well as addressing concerns about the rise in illegal meat imports. The committee highlights the potential risks associated with illegal meat imports, such as the spread of diseases like African swine fever, which could have devastating consequences for the UK agricultural sector.
As part of its broader inquiry on animal and plant health, MPs will also be evaluating the resourcing and work of the Animal and Plant Health Agency. EFRA chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasizes the importance of robust biosecurity measures in safeguarding the country against potential threats, stating that any weaknesses in the system could have catastrophic implications for the agriculture sector.
The committee is inviting written evidence submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including the veterinary sector, agricultural and horticultural industries, food and drink supply chain businesses, and enforcement bodies. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 29, and key areas of focus include personal and commercial import controls, SPS controls on commercial imports, and the performance of Defra and its agencies in delivering biosecurity measures.
In addition to the biosecurity inquiry, EFRA is also conducting an inquiry into the resilience and vulnerabilities of the UK’s food supply chain. The “Fairness in the food supply chain” inquiry aims to address key issues affecting the sector, such as support for domestic food production, access to affordable and healthy food, labor shortages, and food prices. MPs will be issuing calls for evidence on a regular basis and monitoring the Government’s progress on food security, including the national food strategy set to be released in 2025.
Mr. Carmichael emphasizes the committee’s commitment to investigating a wide range of issues impacting the food supply chain and promoting greater fairness and transparency in supply chains. The committee will be examining how the Government can enhance food security at both national and household levels.
To support its inquiries, the committee is seeking evidence on various topics related to the food supply chain, including the effectiveness of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, potential reforms to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, and the introduction of fair dealing powers under the Agriculture Act. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit evidence by Friday, January 24, and the committee will consider both new submissions and evidence gathered by its predecessor committee.
Overall, the EFRA Committee’s inquiries into biosecurity and the food supply chain reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK’s agricultural and food industries. By engaging with stakeholders and gathering evidence, the committee aims to identify areas for improvement and strengthen the resilience of these vital sectors.
