Scottish union concerned about overreliance on overseas imports not produced to equivalent standards despite ‘positive signs’ for growing domestic own-label food
NFU Scotland has called on the UK government to commission an independent review of food and combinable crops imports policy amid growing concerns about reliance on overseas imports.
The union warned that Scottish agriculture is at risk from unfair competition from imports produced to different standards.
The calls came as the union launched its new policy paper at its Autumn Conference last week on Thursday 29 October.
According to the NFU’s “Ready to Grow” report published in September, food import volumes have risen by 70 per cent since 1997, and the UK’s self-sufficiency has declined across 10 of 11 key agricultural commodities over the past 30 years.
Around 40 per cent of food consumed in the UK is now imported, with food trade deficit rising to £42.1bn, over double than what it was in 2000.
However, according to the latest figures from NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch audit found that 26 per cent of own-label products were Scottish, up from 19 per cent at the same point the previous year.
The audit reported “positive signs” across Scottish sourcing for chicken, soft fruit, vegetables and fresh pork.
ShelfWatch is NFU Scotland’s flagship initiative to monitor the sourcing, visibility and labelling of Scottish produce across eight major UK retailers.
Despite this, the union warned that the Scottish government’s consultation on potential food price caps on essential items could make cheaper imported food more attractive in future.
The union expressed particular concern that Scottish farmers faced competition from imports that are not produced to equivalent animal welfare, environmental and production standards
Andrew Connon, NFU Scotland president, said: “Imports have an important role to play in providing consumer choice, but we cannot allow growing reliance on overseas production to undermine our own ability to produce food,” he said.
“We need an urgent, independent review of UK food imports policy to ensure Scottish farmers and crofters can compete on a fair and equal footing.”
A more strategic approach to imports could protect domestic production, strengthen food security and ensure fair competition, the paper argued, identifying five priorities for government action.
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Establish core production standards for imported food
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Put food security at the heart of trade policy, including future trade agreements
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Strengthen import controls and biosecurity to protect domestic agriculture
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Improve country-of-origin labelling, including in restaurants and food service
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Increase transparency in food sourcing, with clearer reporting from retailers and the wider supply chain
Connon added: “Both the UK and Scottish governments must ensure agricultural and trade policies work together to support domestic production, protect our high standards and give farmers and crofters the confidence to invest.”
“We welcome trade, but it must be fair.”
