Yorkshire to play vital role in future food security
YORKSHIRE is well-prepared to meet recommendations in the Government’s latest food strategy, according to the Regional Food Group (RFG).
The recently launched Food 2030 report outlines the need for sustainable and healthy food in the UK and the importance of educating consumers about the benefits.
Jonathan Knight, RFG chief executive, said: “Food security is a real issue and it’s clear that part of the solution is to produce more food in the region. It’s also clear that an efficient and productive local food economy is a critical ingredient to this challenge.
“Small producers are often seen as insignificant in the grand scale of things, but as the growth of some of our local producers has demonstrated, they can be real exemplars of how to innovate and grow effectively.”
He said that Yorkshire was a crucial player in the UK food economy producing 23% of the UK’s beef, having 64% of the country’s pigs and producing 32% of all peas and beans in the country.
“Uur contribution to the UK’s future needs is very daunting. We are very fortunate that Yorkshire Forward set up the RGF some years ago, and we, and our growing number of local food producers, are well on the road to meeting the challenge.”
The report points out that the key challenge for local bodies and organisations like RFG is to support small and medium-sized businesses and the RFG works with SMEs to help them build their businesses.
In line with the Government’s pledge to promote traditional and regional speciality foods, the RFG is encouraging a greater uptake of the EU Protected Food Name scheme in Yorkshire.
The area has recently seen smoked fish from Grimsby gain this protected status and decisions are awaited for both Wensleydale Cheese and Yorkshire Indoor Forced Rhubarb.
The report also details a need to increase the impact of skills, knowledge, research and technology.
Mr Knight continued: “We are already showing that many of these initiatives work and look forward to working in partnership with the Government to support and implement its food strategy, helping to put Yorkshire food and British food, on the table.”
