British food disappearing from supermarket shelves

The percentage of meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables consumed in the UK which were produced domestically has fallen since 1997, information uncovered by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Figures contained in a Parliamentary answer show:

* There has been a 10% decrease in the amount of domestically produced meat eaten in the UK, with only 65% of the meat eaten on our tables now coming from British farms

* The amount of fresh vegetables consumed and produced in the UK has fallen from the 63% to 55%

The revelations come as Tim Farron launched the Liberal Democrats’ plans to move the UK towards a more secure and sustainable food supply.


Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, Tim Farron said:

"The Government has failed British farmers and the evidence is clear to see on supermarket shelves.

"Labour has done to the countryside what Thatcher did to the industrialised areas of the north - and as was the case then, the whole country is paying the price.

"British producers stand proud because of their high animal welfare standards. But under this Government, higher standards have meant higher prices, so now only 65% of the meat eaten at our kitchen tables is produced on British farms.

"The sort of change needed to overcome the challenges to our food system can’t be achieved by a Labour government which has created the problem or a Conservative party that is determined to avoid regulating the food chain.

"If we are to improve our food security we must insist on fair trade. The Liberal Democrats would introduce a fair deal for British farmers and improve consumer awareness, moving us towards a more secure and environmentally sustainable food supply."