Calls for decision over food security

9:59am Tuesday 19th February 2008

URGENT key Government decisions on future food security and supply have been demanded.

Peter Hull, chief executive of Farmway, the North-East farmer controlled business, also wants genetic modification to be debated.

The world's population is expected to rise from today's 6.3 billion to ten billion by 2050, increasing pressure on land.

The growth of crops for biofuels, specific environmental uses of land, and climate change will add to that.

Mr Hull said: "The political debate about climate change is well-advanced, but food provision and security is less well-developed."

China and India's growing economies and populations already demand "better food".

Mr Hull said: "The demand for food is expected to double by 2050, and with virtually all available land currently in production the only way to satisfy this increased demand will be by increased yields."

Global warming will change farming practices and make water resources even more vital.

Mr Hull said significant and coordinated research is needed to find how crops can produce better and more nutritious yields.

"This has to include a full debate about genetic modification (GM) and the resulting policy must be backed by the best agricultural technology," he said.

"Without this there will be food shortages."

However GM technology was only the part of any answer - many other issues must be considered, including water.

Agriculture needs a clear message about its future direction, so it can plan to meet the challenges.

Mr Hull said major retailers secure the cheapest supplies from across the world, with little thought of food security or food miles.

Farmers need rewarding for their skills and efforts in a competitive market place.

They need confidence in government but many believe the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was "inappropriate"

for the task.

Mr Hull said: "Issuing ever more edicts, regulations and red tape is not the answer and never will be.

"With a growing world population demanding more food and energy, and with less land and water to grow the crops, action is required urgently."