A comprehensive report published October 15, 2025, calls for the United Kingdom to transform its food system on a scale not witnessed since the Second World War. According to The Conversation, the Roadmap for Resilience document was developed by the AFN Network+ at the University of East Anglia. The report represents three years of collaborative research involving 150 scientists and industry professionals from research institutes, farming organizations, charities, and the food industry. The AFN Network+ consortium includes more than 3,000 members and is led by universities in East Anglia, Leeds, York, and the West of England.

The report identifies three core transformations required for Britain's food future. First, stronger and more resilient farming to help farmers adapt to climate change and diversify their businesses. Second, smarter and more integrated land use to expand woodland cover and restore peatlands. Third, healthier diets made easier by making nutritious and sustainable food the affordable option. The report warns that without immediate action, the UK will face repeated crises from food price shocks, climate disasters, and declining economic productivity.

Import Dependence Creates Vulnerability

The UK's heavy reliance on imported food presents serious risks to national security. The report notes that farm livestock production currently occupies 85% of agricultural land when animal feed cultivation is included. GOV.UK statistics from April 2025 show that only 53% of fresh vegetables consumed in Britain were produced domestically in 2023. The dependency is even more pronounced for fruit, with just 16% produced within the country.

Food prices have risen sharply in recent years. Between January 2021 and April 2025, UK food costs increased by 36%. This represents more than three times the inflation seen in the preceding decade. The trade deficit for fruit and vegetables reached 12.2 billion pounds in 2023, with imports valued at 13.2 billion pounds against exports of just 1.0 billion pounds. These figures demonstrate the extent of Britain's vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and climate events affecting food-producing regions.

Global Climate Pressures Demand Action

The UK faces mounting pressure from worldwide agricultural disruptions caused by climate change. Boston Consulting Group research published in May 2025 projects that global production of 15 major crops could fall by up to 35% by 2050, with an average decline of 12%. These projections reflect the combined impact of rising temperatures, unpredictable growing seasons, and more frequent extreme weather events on agricultural productivity.

The Roadmap for Resilience proposes 10 priority actions for government. These include placing food security on equal footing with energy security as a national priority. The report also calls for setting targets for dietary change and livestock numbers. Other recommendations include creating a National Food System Transformation Committee reporting directly to the Prime Minister and reforming agricultural subsidies. The Grocer reports that the document warns each year of delay makes transformation harder and more costly while increasing vulnerability to future crises.

Further Reading

For deeper insights into global adoption trends and regulatory frameworks affecting food systems, our Alternative Financial Systems Index tracks adoption metrics and policy developments across 50 countries. The index provides analysis of how nations are adapting their economic and agricultural structures to address systemic challenges.